India’s Yuki Bhambri secured his first ATP 500 men’s doubles title, as he went on to clinch the men’s doubles trophy at the Dubai Championships on Saturday, partnering Australia’s Alexei Popyrin.
The Indo-Austalian pair held their nerves to stage a remarkable turnaround in the final against Finland’s world number 14 Harri Heliovaara and British player Henry Patten.
They defended four match points after coming back from a set down to win 3-6, 7-6, 10-8 .
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This triumph will elevate Bhambri to his highest career ranking of number 40 in the PIF ATP Rankings when it is updated on Monday.
“It was just about having fun on the court,” Bhambri told atptour.com.
“We went match by match. We were so close to losing in the first round, so it’s unbelievable to be in the finals and to win it – I don’t think I ever dreamt of that.”
The journey to the title for Bhambri and Popyrin was marked by several notable victories.
The duo began by upsetting top-ranked Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic 4-6, 7-6(1), 10-3 and then advanced through the quarterfinals by defeating British team of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool 5-7, 7-6(5), 10-5.
In the semifinals, they secured their spot by overcoming Jamie Murray and John Peers 5-4, 4-6, 10-7.
“Alexei is an incredible player. We all know that he’s very good in singles, but I think he has a great doubles career ahead of him as well,” Bhambri added.
