Chennai Open ATP Challenger: Yuki Bhambri enters final, on verge of breaking into top 100 rankings for first time in 2 years

What's the story?

Yuki Bhambri is on the verge of making his way back into the top 100 ATP rankings. He made it to the final of the Chennai Open ATP Challenger by defeating 19-year-old Korean Duckhee Lee in the semifinals. What’s more is that he did so by defeating the South Korean in straight sets.

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What was supposed to be a tough game for Bhambri turned out to be a rather simple affair, in the end. The first set was a bit of a challenge, though Bhambri overcame that by taking the set 7–5. In comparison, he comfortably sailed through in the second set, winning it 6-2.

The heart of the matter

Bhambri is on the verge of breaking into the top 100 ATP rankings for the first time since February 2016, when he was ranked 99. Not very long ago, Bhambri had fallen out of the top 500s in the rankings due to an injury, coupled with other factors.

However, he has shown his grit and determination, to put the injury woes behind and make it to the final of the tournament. This will be a great boost mentally for the 25-year-old. Prior to the game, Bhambri was ranked 112. However, that could soon change, with Bhambri moving into the summit clash.

What's next?

The 25-year-old next faces top seed Jordan Thompson for the title. The Australian has been in fine form throughout the tournament, and, like Bhambri, could also make it to the top 100s.

Author's take

Bhambri's win is certainly a great sign for Indian tennis, as the 25-year-old marches on towards the Chennai Open title. Whether he actually manages to win it or not, we certainly hope that he can continue these performances and rise further in the rankings.