It would be a tad too premature — and probably unfair — to exaggerate the importance of Yuki Bhambri's stunning 6-2, 6-3 victory over Slovakian Karol Beck (ranked 101) on the first day of the Aircel Chennai Open on Monday.
But the wild card entrant's courageous showing earned him not only generous cheers from the thin crowd but also a shot at top seed Janko Tipsarevic in the second round.
Addressing the press later, Yuki said he felt no pressure during the contest. “There was no pressure at all. Every player is going to play at his best. I am happy to have won the game.”
The 19-year-old had also squandered a number of match points before eventually nailing it. “He (Beck) came up with a lot of chances. But I think I should have served [the match] out much before at 5-1 as well. I don't think I was nervous but I wanted to finish it off as quickly as possible.”
Yuki was confident he could have won even if the match had stretched to the third set. “I have been feeling great and I think I could have won even it had gone to third set. I would have backed myself to go out there and win.”
Laments lack of support
On the issue of financial sponsorship, the reigning National champion painted a bleak picture. “Neither Vishnu nor me had the kind the support we need at this level. You see the top guys travelling with not just the coaches but the trainer as well. It is a luxury that one needs in today's game as you are playing two three hours a day and surviving on the tour playing about 50 or 60 matches in a year. You need somebody out there to help you out. It is one of the biggest drawbacks that we have in this country. It is all cricket, which gets the support and people will notice that Vishnu and me have been doing well for ourselves without much help.”
Pospisil advances
Meanwhile, Vasek Pospisil, Yuichi Sugita, Go Soeda, and Thiemo de Bakker advanced to the main draw after they emerged winners in the third round of qualifiers on Monday.
The results (qualifiers): Vasek Pospisil (Can) bt Rajeev Ram (USA) 6-1, 6-7, 6-3; Yuichi Sugita (Jap) bt Rik de Voest (RSA) 7-6, 6-1; Go Soeda (Jap) bt Edouard Roger-Vasselin (Fra) 6-4, 7-6(5);
