In a dramatic and unexpected finish at the ATP 500 Erste Bank Open in Vienna, India’s Yuki Bhambri and Sweden’s André Göransson stormed into the semifinals after top seeds Marcelo Arévalo (El Salvador) and Mate Pavić (Croatia) retired midway through the deciding super tiebreak.
The Indo-Swedish pair were locked at 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-5 (ret.) when the match came to an abrupt halt.
The victory marks one of Bhambri and Göransson’s most significant results of the 2025 season defeating the World No. 2-ranked doubles pair and the reigning Roland Garros champions, Arévalo and Pavić, to book their place in the Vienna semifinals. The match was billed as a mismatch on paper the unseeded pair of Bhambri and Göransson facing one of the world’s most successful doubles duos. But what unfolded on the indoor hard courts of Vienna was a fiercely competitive encounter that showcased Bhambri’s court craft and Göransson’s composure under pressure.
The first set was tightly contested, with both pairs holding serve comfortably. The top seeds held a clear serving advantage, with Arévalo and Pavić winning 83% of their first-serve points compared to Bhambri and Göransson’s 58%. Despite producing 9 aces and saving all 5 break points, the top seeds were pushed to a tiebreak, where they narrowly prevailed 7-6(6) after saving a set point.
However, Bhambri and Göransson refused to buckle. The second set saw them settle into rhythm, improving their service consistency and converting crucial points on return. Bhambri’s net reflexes and Göransson’s deep returns proved pivotal as they broke Arévalo–Pavić once to clinch the set 6-4, forcing a match tiebreak that promised a thrilling decider.
At 6–5 in the final set, though, the contest came to an unexpected end as the top seeds retired reportedly due to a physical issue that forced Pavić to withdraw. While the precise cause wasn’t immediately confirmed, it was clear the pair could not continue, handing the Indo-Swedish duo a spot in the semifinals.
Despite a lower first-serve percentage and seven double faults, Bhambri and Göransson’s ability to win 88% of points on first serve and maintain perfect break-point defense (5/5) proved crucial in keeping the pressure on. Their mental resilience was evident as they stayed composed even while trailing in service statistics.
Bhambri’s Familiar Triumph Over the Same Rivals
For Yuki Bhambri, the win carries a special significance. Earlier this year, he had defeated the same pairing of Arévalo and Pavić at the ATP 500 Dubai Championships quarterfinals, partnering with Croatia’s Ivan Dodig. That victory had showcased his growing adaptability in the doubles circuit, and this repeat success with a different partner reinforces his status as one of India’s most consistent performers on tour.
Partner André Göransson, meanwhile, continues to impress with his calm demeanor and sharp tactical awareness at the net. The Swede’s steady serving under pressure and his knack for finding open spaces on return have made him the perfect complement to Bhambri’s aggressive baseline play. Their growing synergy has been evident throughout the European indoor swing, and this semifinal appearance at a 500-level event marks a high point in their partnership so far.
Bhambri and Göransson will next face the winners of the quarterfinal between Joe Salisbury / Neal Skupski (GBR) and Francisco Cabral (POR) / Lucas Miedler (AUT). Both potential matchups present contrasting challenges Salisbury and Skupski bring Grand Slam pedigree, while Cabral and Miedler, playing at home, would have crowd support and familiarity with the conditions. Regardless of the opponent, the Indo-Swedish team has already proven their ability to compete and defeat the world’s best. A semifinal appearance in Vienna also boosts their Race to Turin points, bringing them closer to the Top 30 in the ATP Doubles Team rankings.
For Indian tennis, Bhambri’s continued success at the ATP 500 level is a positive sign. Following in the footsteps of Rohan Bopanna’s historic triumphs this season, Bhambri’s consistency keeps India visible on the world doubles stage. His adaptability transitioning from singles to doubles success exemplifies India’s growing technical depth in the global tennis circuit.
As the Vienna Open heads into its final weekend, all eyes will be on the Indo-Swedish pair. Can Bhambri and Göransson continue their dream run and reach their first ATP 500 final together? Whatever the outcome, this week in Vienna has already marked another memorable chapter in Yuki Bhambri’s resurgence and a powerful statement of intent from India’s new doubles pairing on the rise.
Result: 🇮🇳 Yuki Bhambri (IND) / 🇸🇪 André Göransson (SWE) def. 🇸🇻 Marcelo Arévalo (ESA) / 🇭🇷 Mate Pavić (CRO) 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-5 (retired)
Next Match:
SF vs Winner of 🇬🇧 Salisbury / Skupski vs 🇵🇹 Cabral / 🇦🇹 Miedler
