‘I play with a lot of freedom’

After spending more than two years away from the professional circuit recovering from a knee injury, Yuki bhambri is just grateful for another chance to resurrect his career. The Indian looked a lot sharper than most people expected as he qualified ATP 500 event in Dubai this week in just his second ATP tournament.

The 28-year-old, however, lost 6-3, 1-6, 4-6 to world No.59 Aljaz body in the first round on Monday.

“It was extremely satisfying to qualify for a 500 event,” Bhambri told the Olympic channel. “I just played with a lot of freedom. I was just happy to play and compete in every game. I’m just trying to compete as hard as possible. I’ve been playing for so long, that I just enjoy being in the moment.

Having reached a career high of 83 in 2018, Bhambri had to end his season in October with a torn tendon in his right knee. Since then he has spent two years recovering from his injury and rebuilding himself for the demanding men’s tennis tour.

Bhambri, a former Australian Open boys champion, has made a comeback to the Singapore Open last month, but couldn’t clear the first hurdle. He played a lower level ITF Futures event in India and won the doubles title with fellow Indian. Saketh Myneni.

Although he was inactive for more than two years, Bhambri took over in Dubai. He won Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Ramkumar ramanathan to enter the main draw.

“It’s always nice to get wins when you come back, it just gives you a lot more confidence,” the Indian added.

“There is a bit of rust, I’m not going to be back to my peak in just two tournaments, I certainly didn’t expect to play at this level so quickly, because usually I take a lot longer to come back. I think the pandemic has given me a lot more time to train, so I’m not that rusty.

“I haven’t specifically made any changes to my game. I’ve always been able to compete at a high level. So it was always more about being healthy and playing as much as possible. This has always been the key every time I am on tour.

His trainer Stephen koon is also impressed with the return of his parish, which had terrible luck with the injuries.

“It has been 1,000 days since his last ATP victory,” Koon told The Times of India.

“He had two good wins against the Indian boys. He looks to be moving well and his upper body strength is much better, as he has had a lot of time to work on it with his knee, so I’m so proud of him. “

The only big change when Bhambri returns on tour is the protocols in place as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage around the world. The Indian did not venture out last year, when the ATP tour resumed after a six-month hiatus in August.

“The tour is different, with the bio-bubbles,” he said. “But once you’re at the tournament, there aren’t too many changes. What has changed is travel. It’s always a little stressful when you fly and have taken that Covid test. “

After earning 10 ranking points for his efforts in Dubai, Bhambri is likely to return to his home port in Delhi. He could participate in the ITF Futures event to be held in New Delhi, from March 29.