Sports
'We fight and work to play these kinds of matches and compete against the best,' says an elated Bhambri.
Updated : Aug 03, 2017, 10:48 AM IST
India's Yuki Bhambri played the match of his life to stun World No. 22 and defending champion Gael Monfils 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 in their Round of 32 encounter at the Citi Open. Bhambri, ranked 200, made it to the ATP 500 tournament through the qualifying rounds, before defeating American Stefan Kozlov in the Round of 64.
On Wednesday, Monfils fought back to push forth a third set decider after Bhambri took the opening set. Finally, it was a the Indian's gritty forehand strokes that resulted in the biggest win of his career.
"It's a good test. We fight and work to play these kinds of matches and compete against the best, so it's a good opportunity," said Bhambri after the match. "He is the defending champion and a class player. I had nothing to lose."
Watch the highlights
Perfect passing shot from @yukibhambri
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 3, 2017
Giving Monfils a hard time out there today...#CO17 pic.twitter.com/P1Qpfv2RTD
#Bhambri shocks DC with as he takes down our defending champion #Monfils
— Citi Open (@CitiOpen) August 3, 2017
What a night of tennis #CO17 pic.twitter.com/SGjHUKPcBL
Astonishing! @YukiBhambri forehand on the run *just* catches the baseline.#CO17 pic.twitter.com/h4jNByVM3B
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 3, 2017
The 25-year-old will go up against Guido Pella in the next round of the tournament. Pella is the man who ousted Ramkumar Ramanathan in the first round of the tournament.
Watch the post match interview -
"I just played the right points at the right time"@yukibhambri on that incredible win against Gael Monfils. #CO17 pic.twitter.com/kV5Gk9e4Gu
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 3, 2017