Yuki Bhambri wins ITF Futures title in Mumbai

I got a chance to see Yuki Bhambri in live action for the first time yesterday as the 18 year old Indian was in the finals of the $15K ITF Futures event in Mumbai. Bhambri is trying to work his ranking back up after injuries and ill-health ravaged his 2010 season – causing his ranking drop from no. 321 in April 2010 to no. 556 at the end of last year

His opponent in the final was the tall Crotian Roko Karanusic, once ranked as high as no. 88 in 2009 but who has since fallen to no. 483. Karanusic started off well as Bhambri made several errros early on. The Croat's heavy forehand and low backhand slice posed several problems for the Indian, who lost the first set 2-6.

The Croat continued to dominate in the second set but this time Bhambri managed to stay close throughout. Karanusic broke serve 3 times but each time was broken back, including when he served for the match at 5-4 in the second set. The Croat held two matchpoints at 40-15 but Bhambri played agressively when it mattered. He saved the first with a crisp forehand volley. On the second, he appraoched the net and hit a drop volley, which clipped the net and took a few seconds before deciding to fall on the Croat's side of the court. Bhambri broke back and the Croat, who had been muttering to himself in his native language throughout the match, got more agitated. The result from then on never seemed in doubt as the Croat's body language and temperament went downhill from there. Bhambri won the second set 7-5 and also the third set 6-3 to complete the win in 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The title was Bhambri's sixth on the ITF Futures circuit – all of which have come in India – but his first since September 2009. The result will move him to around 430 in the rankings – his highest in 8 months.

Inspite of his six foot frame, Bhambri does not look imposing and will definitely need to get stronger if he is going to be competing with the big boys on the ATP tour. But the good news is that the foundations of his game are well set. The 18 year old can hit a big first serve; can rally off his forehand and backhand side and also hit winners from the backcourt when given the opportunity. His movement on court is pretty efficient and he attacked the net to put away volleys at several times in the match. All this augurs well for Indian tennis fans. At 18, Bhambri has a few critical years to make the transition into the pro tour. He will now move on to Kolkatta for the next ITF Futures and he hopes to continue his winning streak there.