Indian tennis has a new chapter at US Open 2025 to celebrate as Yuki Bhambri advanced to the men’s doubles quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the very first time in his career.
Partnering with New Zealand’s Michael Venus, Bhambri and his experienced teammate stunned the No. 4 seeds, Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz of Germany, with a straight-sets 6-4, 6-4 win at the US Open 2025. For Bhambri, who has endured a career filled with injuries and comebacks, this result is more than just another victory. It represents a personal milestone his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal after years of persistence and reinvention, now playing as India’s leading doubles player.
Clinical Performance Against Seeded Opponent
The Indo-Kiwi pair entered the match as underdogs against Krawietz and Puetz, a seasoned duo with multiple deep runs in majors and the runners-up from last year’s US Open. Yet, Bhambri and Venus showed from the outset that they were ready to dictate terms. The key to their performance lay in their synergy. Venus, a Grand Slam champion himself, brought the calmness of experience, while Bhambri added energy and sharp returns, especially on the backhand wing. Together, they complemented each other perfectly at the net and from the baseline, turning what looked like a tricky matchup into a controlled straight-sets win.
The scoreline of 6-4, 6-4 reflected consistency more than dominance, but the stats tell the story of why they prevailed. Bhambri and Venus won an impressive 83% of their first-serve points, compared to just 64% from their opponents. That solidity gave them the freedom to be aggressive on return games, where their ability to attack second serves proved decisive.
Both teams served at a 60% first-serve rate, but Bhambri and Venus converted their opportunities better. The Indo-Kiwi pair’s return game also made the difference. They won 36% of first-serve return points and 46% on second-serve returns, while the Germans struggled at just 17% and 52%, respectively. In crucial moments, Bhambri and Venus were clinical. They converted three of their nine break-point chances, while saving two out of three on their own serve. This balance in pressure situations tilted the momentum firmly in their favor.
It was not just about raw numbers, though. Their backhand returns were standout features of the match, often opening up the court for Venus to finish at the net. The chemistry between the two was evident, each covering the other seamlessly, ensuring that Krawietz and Puetz never found their rhythm.
Beating the Defending Finalists
This victory was doubly significant as Krawietz and Puetz were the runners-up at the 2024 US Open. Beating last year’s finalists at the same stage not only gives Bhambri and Venus a confidence boost but also signals to the rest of the field that they are genuine contenders this fortnight. For Indian fans, the result is particularly exciting. Yuki Bhambri, once heralded as the future of Indian men’s singles tennis, has now carved out a new path in doubles. Ranked India’s No. 1 doubles player, his partnership with Venus is paying dividends at the very highest level.
Their march to the quarterfinals has been built on consistency. Earlier, in the pre-quarters, Bhambri and Venus dismissed Gonzalo Escobar and Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela 6-1, 7-5. That match highlighted their ability to start strong and close tight contests. The first set was a showcase of dominance, while the second demanded composure as their opponents pushed back.
In both matches, the Bhambri-Venus combination has shown versatility being able to overpower weaker pairs and out-think seeded opponents.
Next Challenge: Mektic & Ram
The quarterfinal lineup will not get any easier. Bhambri and Venus now face Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram, a formidable team combining the Croatian’s doubles instincts with Ram’s home support and pedigree. Ram is a multiple Grand Slam champion and former US Open winner, making this clash an even sterner test. Yet, with momentum on their side and the confidence of taking down the No. 4 seeds, Bhambri and Venus have every reason to believe they can continue this dream run.
Bhambri’s achievement is more than a personal landmark it is a boost for Indian tennis at a time when the nation has been searching for a new Grand Slam doubles story after the golden era of Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Rohan Bopanna. While Bopanna remains active and competitive on the circuit, Bhambri’s rise signals the continuation of India’s doubles legacy. His maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal is not just a moment of celebration but also a reminder of the perseverance required to succeed at the top level.
For Bhambri, who once won the junior Australian Open singles title back in 2009, this journey has come full circle. Injuries curtailed his singles career, but the transition to doubles has reignited his Grand Slam ambitions. Partnering with Venus, a player he calls his best friend on tour, has made the journey even sweeter.
The US Open quarterfinal will be the toughest test yet, but Bhambri and Venus have already shown they can rise above expectations. Their tactical play, balanced serving, and excellent teamwork have carried them this far. A win against Mektic and Ram could elevate this run into one of the stories of the tournament. For now, Indian tennis fans can savor this historic achievement Yuki Bhambri, through to his first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal in men’s doubles. It is a moment of pride, promise, and inspiration for the next generation of Indian players dreaming of making their mark on the biggest stage.
