India’s Yuki Bhambri and Sweden’s André Göransson continued their impressive start to the 2026 ATP season by booking a place in the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland, an ATP 250 event that traditionally serves as a key warm-up tournament ahead of the Australian Open.
The top-seeded Indo-Swedish pair overcame a stern challenge from the Czech duo of Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl, prevailing 6–3, 6–7, 10–6 in a gripping quarterfinal contest.
For Bhambri, currently ranked World No. 21 in men’s doubles, the victory not only underlined his growing stature on the ATP doubles circuit but also marked his first tournament run of the 2026 season with real momentum. Partnering with Göransson, one of the most consistent doubles specialists on tour, Bhambri has looked sharp in both execution and decision-making across their matches in Auckland.
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The quarterfinal encounter lived up to its billing. Bhambri and Göransson asserted control early, taking the opening set 6–3 through clean service games and sharp work at the net. The top seeds broke at a crucial juncture, capitalising on a slight dip in the Czech pair’s first-serve percentage. Bhambri, in particular, was effective with his returns, often neutralising Nouza’s serve and setting up Göransson for aggressive first volleys.
The second set, however, saw Nouza and Rikl raise their level. The Czech pair matched the top seeds hold for hold, extending rallies and forcing Bhambri and Göransson to play extra balls from the back of the court. Despite a few half-chances for breaks on both sides, the set moved into a tiebreak, where the Czechs edged it 7–6, showcasing composure under pressure and pushing the match into a deciding match tiebreak.
In the final shootout, experience told. Bhambri and Göransson raced to an early mini-break advantage, combining disciplined baseline exchanges with decisive net play. While Nouza and Rikl attempted to claw their way back, the top seeds maintained their intensity and closed out the match 10–6, sealing a deserved semifinal berth.
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This semifinal run has been built on a solid foundation laid earlier in the tournament. In the round of 16, Bhambri and Göransson produced a commanding performance to defeat the wildcard pairing of Jean-Julien Rojer and Ajit Rai 6–3, 6–2. That match was notable for the control exerted by the Indo-Swedish duo, who dominated service games and kept unforced errors to a minimum. Their ability to dictate points early, particularly through aggressive positioning at the net, ensured they never allowed the wildcard pair to settle.
For Indian tennis, Bhambri’s form is an encouraging sign. Having reinvented himself as a doubles specialist over the past few seasons, he has steadily climbed the rankings and established himself as a reliable presence at the ATP level. His World No. 21 ranking reflects not just consistency, but also his adaptability across different partners and conditions.
The ASB Classic has historically been a strong indicator of early-season form, and Bhambri-Göransson’s run to the semifinals positions them as one of the pairs to watch heading into the Australian Open swing. As top seeds, they will now look to carry this momentum forward, aiming for a place in the final and potentially their first title of the new season together.
With composure under pressure, complementary skill sets, and a clear understanding of roles on court, Yuki Bhambri and André Göransson have sent out a clear message in Auckland: they are ready to challenge the best doubles teams on tour in 2026.
