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Young Yuki ready to face bigger challenges

We are confident of beating Indonesia
Last Updated 02 April 2013, 16:44 IST

When Yuki Bhambri clinched the Australian Open junior title in 2009, India thought it had discovered its next big hope. Blessed with an ideal six-foot frame, an athletic body and a decent game, the former Junior World No 1 has however struggled for consistency upon graduating to the senior level.

While much of the struggles may be due to the higher level of competition that Yuki found himself up against, the 20-year-old was also hampered by a knee injury that slowed his progress. Yuki though has made a steady climb since last year, reaching a career-high ATP ranking of 174 in October before dipping to the current 266.

“I’m 100 percent healthy,” said Yuki, back in the Davis Cup fold, after an intense practise session here at the KSLTA courts on Tuesday, ahead of India’s clash against Indonesia. “In fact last year was a very good one and I ended up playing a lot of tournaments. The most important goal for me is to play the entire season. If I stay injury free and play a decent amount of tournaments I believe I can climb up the rankings again,” added Yuki who is targetting to play 25 events this year.

When India take on Indonesia in the Asia Oceania Group I play-off tie from Friday, Yuki, in all probability, will be sharing the singles job with ace Somdev Devvarman. When asked if he would like to play the opening or second singles rubber, Yuki said he is keen on playing either of them.

“It really does not matter whether I play first or second. If I’m playing second I would be thinking we would be 1-0 up. Playing first is little different because it is a fresh start but playing second means you know the result.”

Only one Indonesian player is ranked within the top-300 -- Christopher Rungkat (251) -- but Yuki said the hosts would not be taking victory for granted. “We are pretty confident as a team and not going to take Indonesia lightly. With the tie being held at home, it’s an added advantage. Also with Somdev and Leander (Paes) back in the team, it gives us a solid edge. We can really count on Leander to deliver the goods because he has been doing it consistently for the last 20 years. Somdev has also had a good start to the year and I think we should win this tie.”

With Paes well into his third decade of competitive tennis and veteran Mahesh Bhupathi expected to call it quits at the end of this year, the onus on carrying the tri-colour forward lies with Yuki, Somdev and Sanam Singh.

 “I’m sure we are going to have Leander for the next year or two, considering with the way he is going. Having said that, we have a great bunch of youngsters. All of us are similary ranked and we are constantly pushing each other trying to do well. Being similarly ranked, it is also easy to choose on a day who would be playing a particular tie. The captain is going to have that option available. It’s great, we are all moving forward and doing well and aim to get India into the World Group again.”

Indonesians arrive

Meanwhile, the Indonesians arrived in the City on Monday night and had their first hit at the courts on Tuesday.

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(Published 02 April 2013, 16:44 IST)

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