In a thrilling encounter at the ATP Masters 1000 Miami Open 2025, Yuki Bhambri and his Portuguese partner Nuno Borges delivered a masterclass in doubles tennis.
They edged out the experienced pairing of Rohan Bopanna and Ivan Dodig by a score of 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 to advance to the second round. This pivotal win propels Bhambri into the World No. 29 spot in doubles and, notably, makes him India’s new No. 1 doubles player.
It’s important to note that Bopanna and Matthew Ebden were the defending champions, having lifted the title at the Miami Open in 2024. However, this year Bopanna opted to partner with Dodig, and the change in dynamics proved costly. With the loss, Bopanna slips to World No. 43, signaling a significant shift in the Indian tennis doubles rankings.
A Match of Nerve and Precision
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Bhambri and Borges opened strong, taking the first set 6-4 with aggressive play and consistent serving.
Bopanna and Dodig bounced back in the second set, leveling the match 6-3 with their tactical experience and steady baseline play.
In the super tiebreaker—the decider where every point mattered—Bhambri’s ability to convert crucial points, combined with Borges’s sharp net play, ensured that the Indian duo maintained their composure and secured the match 10-7.
Bhambri’s Journey in Doubles: A Testament to Adaptability
Yuki Bhambri’s journey in doubles has been a fascinating one. Unlike many top-ranked doubles players who maintain long-term partnerships, Bhambri has competed with six different partners in his last seven tournaments. His adaptability and chemistry with various partners have contributed to his steady rise in the rankings.
His recent partners include:
✅ Ivan Dodig
✅ Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
✅ Matwé Middelkoop
✅ Alexei Popyrin (with whom he won a tournament)
✅ André Göransson
✅ Nuno Borges
Despite frequently switching partners, Bhambri has maintained high consistency, proving his ability to thrive in different team dynamics.
Defending Champions’ Shift and Its Impact
The defeat of the team featuring Bopanna, a part of the defending champion duo with Ebden in 2024, marks a turning point.
The loss underscores how even established champions can be unsettled by changes in partnership and the relentless pursuit of improvement by emerging talents like Bhambri.
With this result, Bhambri not only climbs the rankings but also takes over as India’s top-ranked doubles player—a significant milestone that sets the stage for future success on the global circuit.
Other Notable Highlights from Miami Open 2025
The Miami Open 2025 has been a tournament filled with memorable moments and breakthrough performances. Among the highlights:
• João Fonseca became the youngest man to reach an ATP Masters 1000 third round since Carlos Alcaraz at Paris 2021.
• Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong secured his first Top 20 win in dramatic fashion by defeating Ben Shelton in a tight three-set battle.
• 38-year-old Gaël Monfils saved a match point against Jiri Lehecka to become the oldest player to reach the third round at the Miami Open since 1992.
Looking Ahead
Yuki Bhambri’s triumph at Miami opens up exciting prospects for his doubles career. With his new ranking at World No. 29 and the mantle of being India’s top doubles player, Bhambri is poised to be a formidable contender in upcoming ATP events.
The change in rankings also indicates a promising future for Indian tennis, as emerging talents continue to make significant inroads on the international stage.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Bhambri and his evolving partnerships. His ability to consistently perform at a high level, even with changing partners, could redefine the next chapter of Indian tennis.
With determination and strategic play, Bhambri is set to elevate his game and inspire the next generation of Indian doubles specialists.
Congratulations to Yuki Bhambri on this milestone achievement—a significant win not only for him but for Indian tennis as a whole.
