DUBAI: India's Yuki Bhambri and his Australian partner Alexei Popyrin combined remarkably to upset the World No. 1 pair of Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic during their men's doubles round of 16 match at the Dubai Tennis Championships on February 25, 2025. After losing the first set, Bhambri and Popyrin staged a sensational comeback, clinching victory with scores of 4-6, 7-6(1), 10-3.
This surprising victory at the $3,415,700 ATP tournament not only advanced Bhambri and Popyrin to the quarterfinals, but it also marked one of the highlights of their careers. The duo faced stiff competition against Arevalo from El Salvador and Pavic from Croatia, both of whom are formidable players known for their achievements on the ATP tour.
The match proved to be quite the rollercoaster. The first set started strong for Arevalo and Pavic, who leveraged their high ranking and experience to take the lead. Bhambri and Popyrin, undeterred by the initial setback, regrouped, showing impressive resilience and tactical prowess. The second set saw them raise their level of play, pushing back against the top seeds.
With the second set tied, Bhambri and Popyrin demonstrated remarkable skill during the tiebreaker, winning decisively to level the match. The momentum shifted completely, boosting their confidence as they entered the super tiebreaker.
During the super tiebreak, the pair maintained their advantageous position, showcasing their dynamic teamwork. They capitalized on their opponents' mistakes and took control of the points, eventually securing their spot with a commanding win.
"After dropping the first set, Bhambri and Popyrin staged an incredible comeback to defeat the top seeds from El Salvador and Croatia 4-6, 7-6(1), 10-3," reported by Agencies. This quote encapsulates the spirit of the match and their determination throughout the contest.
This match is expected to propel Bhambri and Popyrin to new heights as they advance to the quarterfinals. Their path forward may still be challenging, as they will face other strong competitors aiming for the title.
For Bhambri, this is not only a significant win but also reinforces his return to the competitive scene after some absences from high-level tournaments. Partnering with Popyrin might provide him with the necessary momentum and support he needs.
Overall, the Dubai Tennis Championships have already delivered exciting moments, and fans are eager to witness how this unexpected pairing of Bhambri and Popyrin will fare against their next opponents. Can they continue this impressive run? Only time will tell.