Yuki Bhambri, playing on an injury protected ranking, went up against top seed and 94th ranked Bernabé Zapata Miralles from Spain. Bhambri was 5-3 up in the 1st set, and even had two set points, but could not capitalise on them, eventually losing 5-7 1-6.
Bhambri spoke to us after the match to share his thoughts. Excerpts below:
Q) How do you review the match today?
It was a tough one. I thought I started well and I was obviously a break up. I had chances to win the set, had break points and set points, but could not capitalise. Bernabé (Zapata Miralles) really increased his level after that and sustained it throughout.
Q) What was your game plan coming into the match?
The plan was to use my slices and keep the ball low. Also to serve well. I think I did that for a majority of the first set, but just couldn’t keep the level going. And that cost me.
Q) You had a straight sets win over your opponent Bernabe Zapata Miralles in your last match back in 2018. Anything you picked up from that match?
He’s a changed player obviously. He’s riding high on confidence, as he had a good run at the French Open earlier this year. On the other hand, he was just coming up and breaking into the Challenger circuit when I played him in 2018.
Regardless of that, you have to be able to give your best against every opponent. At the end of the day, this is Wimbledon, everyone is really good here, so you really have to be at your best.
Q) Any upcoming grass tournaments you are planning to play?
Maybe Newport. But that’s the end of the grass season. So pretty much that.
Photos from the match are published below:
