Yuki Bhambri on Wednesday bowed out of the Australian Open qualifiers after losing the opening round match to 28th seed Italian Potito Starace.
The 21-year-old Indian made a good comeback after losing the first set but could not maintain the momentum against Starace, losing 3-6, 6-1, 2-6.
After making it an even affair with his second set win, Yuki could not cash in on the chances he got in the decisive third set as he squandered three of the four breakpoints and dropped his own serve thrice.
However, Yuki is set to make his Grand Slam debut as he will compete in the doubles event of the Australian Open with New Zealand partner Michael Venus.