Indian tennis received another boost on Monday evening as Yuki Bhambri, partnering New Zealand’s Michael Venus, advanced to the men’s doubles pre-quarterfinals of the US Open.
The 14th-seeded Indo-Kiwi duo produced a composed and efficient display to beat the alternate pairing of Gonzalo Escobar of Ecuador and Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela of Mexico 6-1, 7-5 in the second round. For Bhambri, this result adds to an increasingly consistent record at the majors this season. It is the third time in 2025 that he has reached the third round of a Grand Slam in men’s doubles, having previously achieved the feat with American Robert Galloway.
His new partnership with Venus is beginning to show promise, and the victory underlined their ability to combine early dominance with calm decision-making under pressure. The match began with Bhambri and Venus setting the tone from the very first game. Strong serving, quick interceptions at the net, and clean returns gave them an immediate advantage. Escobar and Reyes-Varela, both experienced doubles players, struggled to deal with the variety and intensity brought by the 14th seeds.
Bhambri, who has steadily grown into his role as India’s leading doubles player, impressed with his groundstrokes from the baseline, while Venus, a seasoned campaigner with a Grand Slam doubles title to his name, was sharp at the net. The pair broke twice in the opening set and ran through it 6-1 in just over 25 minutes, leaving little doubt about their superiority.
A Tighter Second Set for Yuki Bhambri & Michael Venus
The South American pair, however, refused to go down without a fight. Escobar and Reyes-Varela raised their intensity in the second set, finding better rhythm on serve and creating more opportunities on return. At 5-4, they even held two set points, threatening to take the contest into a decider. This was the defining moment of the match. Bhambri and Venus held their nerve, saving both set points with clutch serving and aggressive play. The escape seemed to shift momentum decisively. They immediately broke back and followed it up with a confident hold to seal the set 7-5.
The straight-sets win reflected both their dominance and their composure under pressure. It was not just a victory built on strong starts but also one forged through resilience when tested.
For Yuki Bhambri, who has transitioned almost entirely into doubles after years of injuries hampered his singles career, this run is further evidence of his growing stature on the international stage. In 2025 alone, he has already entered the third round at three different Grand Slams, making him India’s most reliable performer in men’s doubles. Bhambri’s success has been built on adaptability. Earlier in the season, he reached the later rounds with Robert Galloway, and now, paired with Venus, he continues to progress deep into major tournaments.
His baseline consistency complements Venus’ attacking instincts at the net, making their partnership a balanced one.
At 32, Bhambri is showing the kind of maturity and focus that comes with years of professional tennis experience. While he may no longer be in the singles spotlight, his ability to carve out a niche in doubles has given Indian tennis fans a reason to cheer at the biggest stages. Michael Venus is no stranger to the demands of Grand Slam tennis. The 37-year-old Kiwi has enjoyed a long and successful doubles career, highlighted by winning the French Open title in 2017 with Ryan Harrison. Over the years, he has reached multiple major semifinals and finals, consistently proving himself among the elite.
His experience and composure were crucial in Monday’s match, particularly during the second set when the pressure was highest. Venus’ ability to stay calm in big points and his understanding of court positioning are assets that Bhambri can lean on as they face sterner tests ahead.
A Stern Challenge: Puetz and Krawietz
The next round, however, represents a significant step up in quality. Bhambri and Venus will take on the fourth-seeded German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the pre-quarterfinals. The duo are among the most formidable teams on the ATP Tour, combining consistency with big-match experience.
Krawietz, in particular, is a two-time French Open doubles champion, having triumphed in Paris in 2019 and 2020 with Andreas Mies. Puetz has also enjoyed considerable success, including deep runs in Grand Slam and Masters events. Between them, they boast three Grand Slam titles, making them one of the strongest pairs in the competition. The Germans are known for their aggressive returns and sharp tactical awareness at the net, qualities that make them dangerous opponents in best-of-three doubles formats. For Bhambri and Venus, the challenge will be to match their intensity while capitalizing on any opportunities that arise.
Bhambri’s progress at Flushing Meadows is another reminder of the opportunities available for Indian players in doubles, even as singles representation remains limited. His consistency across Grand Slams in 2025 has ensured that India continues to have a presence in the second week of majors, something fans have often missed in recent years. With Rohan Bopanna nearing the twilight of his career, Bhambri’s steady rise provides continuity and a sense of hope for the future. His performances also underline the importance of adaptability and resilience in sustaining a career at the top level, lessons that upcoming Indian players can take inspiration from.
As Bhambri and Venus prepare for their pre-quarterfinal clash, the stakes are high. A victory would take them into the quarterfinals of the US Open, marking a significant career milestone for Bhambri and further enhancing his reputation as a dependable doubles specialist. The challenge against Puetz and Krawietz will be immense, but the Indo-Kiwi pair has shown enough resilience and quality to believe they can compete. Indian fans will be hopeful that Bhambri, guided by Venus’ wealth of experience, can rise to the occasion and deliver another memorable performance on the Grand Slam stage.
For now, their straight-sets win in the second round is both a reward for their hard work and a statement of intent. The journey continues, and the next chapter promises to be one of the most exciting yet.
