Bhupathi-Yuki rally in style to wear crown

 Mahesh Bhupathi and Yuki Bhambri clinched the men’s doubles title in the $50,000 ATP challenger of Delhi Open at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association complex here on Saturday.

Bhupathi and Bhambri overcame stiff competition from defending champions Saketh Myneni and Sanam Singh to pull out a 6-3, 4-6, 10-5 victory.

 Myneni, though, ensured there is an Indian representation in the men’s singles final on Sunday by shocking second-seeded Kimmer Coppejans of Belgium 6-3, 6-2. Myneni, seeded fourth, now faces third-seeded Frenchman Stephane Robert, who beat Flavio Cipolla 6-3, 6-2 in the other semifinal.

It has been satisfying week for 41-year-old multiple Grand Slam champion Bhupathi who has been out of action for the last two years. The five-time Olympian began the season with a first round defeat at the Chennai Open with Gilles Muller before the two made the second round at the Australian Open. Bhupathi then made semifinal appearances at Bangkok Challenger with Purav Raja and then at the Tour event at Montpelier with Jonathan Marray.

“I really enjoyed it. It was a good match,” said Bhupathi.
Yuki, who is returning from tennis elbow, has been rusty and struggling to win singles matches. The doubles title has given him the much needed time on court to regain his form.

“It was a privilege to play with him (Bhupathi). I have learned a lot. I would like to play more doubles in the future,” said Yuki, who would be playing in ATP 500 event in Dubai.
 Meanwhile, Uzbekistan's Sabina Sharipova clinched the singles title of $25,000 ITF women event. She beat Serbia's Nina Stojanovic 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the final.