Asian Games 2018 | Unthinkable of missing out on maiden US Open main draw, asserts Yuki Bhambri
Yuki Bhambri explained his decision to play in the 2018 US Open, over 2018 Asian Games, by saying that it was unthinkable for him to not play in his maiden US Open main draw. Bhambri is the only Indian who will be taking part in the singles category in the upcoming Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows.
The highest ranked Indian (86 in men’s singles) took a decision to opt-out from the Asian Games due to the tight schedule which would hinder his preparation and performance in the much-awaited US Open. The 26-year-old suffered from inflammation during his French Open campaign which affected his performances at Wimbledon and slowed down the progress he had been making since the turn of the year. Bhambri spoke about working hard on the fitness aspect with his trainer Dharmendra Pratap Singh and hoped to get back on the court for the Cincinnati Masters.
“Just after Roland Garros, I suffered from inflammation which affected my performances at Wimbledon. I played with it throughout the grass season,” he said.
“The healing process has been slow. Dharmendra sir has been helping me out in the gym. However, I have been working on the technical aspect as well. I hope to be back for the Cincinnati Masters.”
India’s new sensation, Ramkumar Ramanathan, who recently became the first Indian to reach the finals in an ATP event in seven years, had lost to Bhambri in the Taipei Challenger final in April. Bhambri was delighted to see Ramanathan achieve new heights and felt that the youngster was very talented.
“I feel Newport has been a lucky ground for Indians. It was exceptional to see Ramkumar reach the final. I have always believed that he has the game to do well,” Bhambri added.
Talking about missing out on the Asian Games, Bhambri said that he would have taken part if it did not clash with the US Open. Although he did mention about improving on his bronze medal performance (from the last Asian Games) at some point
“The authorities took a wrong decision of clashing the Asian Games with one of the biggest tournaments in the world. I would have certainly taken part if this was not the scenario,” he stated.
“Hopefully at some point, I will get the opportunity of improving on my bronze medals from the last Asian Games. But to miss out on my first ever main draw of the US Open is unthinkable. I have worked all my life to achieve this (participating in Grand Slams).”
Bhambri was dropped from the Union Sports Ministry’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme for taking part in the US Open and missing the Asian Games. Speaking of which he said that it is not about the money and wants to follow his dream. He was happy for the support extended by the national federation.
“I am thankful to the AITA for understanding the situation. It is not about money. The TOPS committee does not understand the importance of representing the country for such a big event,” Bhambri concluded.