Indian Wells | Yuki Bhambri's memorable run ends with third round loss

03/14/2018

Yuki Bhambri's incredible journey at Indian Wells ended with a third-round loss to 18th seeded Sam Querrey 7-6(4), 4-6, 4-6 on Wednesday. The Indian offered a tough fight against Querrey but failed to continue his long run in the tournament after challenging for 2 hours and 22 minutes.

India’s hope in the BNP Paribas Open came to an end when after Bhambri faced a loss in the third round despite showing a gritty fight. It was a tough match between the two but it was Querrey who started on a positive note as Bhambri lost his service in the second game which gave the American an early 2-0 lead. The Indian player showed his brilliance by claiming next four games, breaking Querrey twice, and managed to take a lead of 4-2. Serving for the first set, the Indian failed to retain his service which helped Querrey to level proceedings and take the match into a tiebreaker. It was the Indian who held his nerve and took the tie breaker and the first set 7-6(4).

The intensity of the match picked up in the second set but both players were serving well and split the first four games right down the middle. However, in the next game, Bhambri lost his service and despite his best efforts was not able to salvage the set conceding it 6-4. The loss affected the morale of the Indian player as he lost his service in the first game of the third set. The Indian tried to launch a fightback but the more experienced American held firm and took the final set by an identical score of 6-4.

Before reaching in the third round, Bhambri had stunned world No 12 Lucas Pouille in the second round.