Yuki Bhambri rallies from behind to lift ITF title

Sixth seed and giant-killer Yuki Bhambri of India rallied from two match points down in the second set to fashion a thrilling 2-6 7-5 6-3 win over seventh seed Roko Karanusic of Croatia in the final of the CCI-ITF US$15,000 Men’s Futures Tennis Tournament at the Cricket Club of India on Saturday.

Ranked 491 on ATP, Bhambri snatched one of the most exciting come-from-behind wins to earn US$1,950 and 27 ATP points, while the 483-ranked Karanusic earned US$1,350 and 15 points.

Former world No 88 and Davis Cupper Karanusic had the title in his grasp after earning two breaks in the opening set and three in the second as he led 5-4 and 40-15 while serving for the match.

But Bhambri, who earned four breaks in the second set including the decisive break in the 10th game that changed his fortunes, altered the script with a stunning comeback as Karanusic’s game fell to pieces in an absorbing contest that lasted an hour and 45 minutes.

 “I felt down and out long before staring at certain defeat. But I was fortunate with that net cord winner on a volley that gave me that break in the 10th game. I played simple tennis and I’m glad to win the first ITF Futures of the season in India after last winning in Kolkata in 2009,” said 18-year-old Bhambri.

Inspired by his effort in the second set, Bhambri dumped the earlier blemishes into oblivion and snatched a crucial break in the fourth game of the third and final set to race to victory.

“Sometimes it happens in tennis,” reasoned Karanusic, who has famous wins against Argentine David Nalbandian, Andy Roddick and Somdev Devvarman to his credit. “After struggling in the beginning, Yuki suddenly started playing well. That upset me completely.”

The second seed Indian pair of Purav Raja and Divij Sharan upset top seeds Gero Kretschmer and Alexander Satschko of Germany 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) in an equally riveting contest to claim the doubles title.

The second leg of the ITF US$15,000 Futures tournament will be held at South Club, Kolkata from Monday.

Results (Singles): 6-Yuki Bhambri (Ind) bt 7-Roko Karanusic (Croatia) 2-6 7-5 6-3
Doubles: 2-Purav Raja/Divij Sharan (Ind) bt 1-Gero Kretschmer/Alexander Satschko (Ger) 7-6 (7-4),
7-6 (7-5)