Yuki Bhambri’s run to the semifinals of the US Open 2025 men’s doubles was more than just another late flourish in a long career. For the 33-year-old, it felt like a rebirth.
“It’s a little bittersweet,” Bhambri said about his maiden Slam semifinal. “If someone had told me before the tournament that I’d be here, I’d have taken it. But when you’re in that moment, you’re hungry for more. You want to make the final, you want to win Slams. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.”
Partnering New Zealand’s Michael Venus, Bhambri upset higher-seeded teams and even knocked out Rajeev Ram in the quarterfinals. “There were a lot of nerves, especially after winning the first set,” he admitted. “At that stage of a Slam, it’s more than tennis. It’s about composure and who’s willing to perform under pressure. We managed to do that and gave ourselves the chance to play a great semifinal.”
Against Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski, Bhambri and Venus took the opening set and pushed the second into a tiebreak. Experience, he felt, made the difference. “The margins were so small. They’ve been in those situations before and handled the big moments better. Hopefully, I can put myself in those positions again and compete for Slam titles.”
The partnership with Venus, he explained, has been years in the making. “We played once in 2014, then not again until this year. We’ve always wanted to play together, and finally the opportunity came. It’s bittersweet, but we’ll continue. Hopefully, next year will be even better.”
Injuries may have stalled Bhambri’s singles journey, but he sees doubles as a new chapter. “I see this as my second career,” he said. “My first was singles; now I’m older, more experienced, and I want to keep playing at the highest level in doubles.”
Bhambri’s achievement also places him alongside Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna, the only other Indian men in the Open era to reach Slam semifinals. “They’ve left very big boots to fill. These guys are Slam champions. I would have never thought I’d be in such esteemed company. I’m just happy to take the legacy forward and keep Indian tennis alive on the biggest stage.”
Looking ahead, Bhambri is set to represent India in the Davis Cup in Switzerland. “Then, I have a few tournaments left in Asia and Europe. The long-term goal is simple, to maintain this level and keep giving myself opportunities at Slams.”
For Bhambri, the dream is far from over. As he put it: “This is just the start of something good.”
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