In a thrilling comeback at the Australian Open 2026, India’s Yuki Bhambri and his Swedish partner Andre Goransson powered through to the third round of men’s doubles. The duo overcame Mexico’s Santiago Gonzalez and Netherlands’ David Pel 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 in a match that tested their resilience under Melbourne’s scorching sun.
Bhambri, India’s top-ranked men’s doubles player and currently at No. 22 in the ATP doubles rankings, started sluggishly. They dropped the first set after Bhambri’s serve was broken in the third game. As the second set reached 2-2, extreme heat protocols halted play, giving the pair a much-needed breather.
Returning with renewed vigor, Bhambri and Goransson, the 10th seeds, held firm on their serves throughout. They clinched a tense tie-break in the second set and dominated the decider, breaking their opponents’ serves twice to seal the victory.
This win marks Bhambri’s first third-round appearance in men’s doubles at the Australian Open since 2014, when he partnered with New Zealand’s Michael Venus. His best Grand Slam result remains last year’s US Open semifinals alongside Venus. Now, Bhambri stands as the lone Indian flagbearer in the draw.
Meanwhile, disappointment struck for another Indian star, Sriram Balaji. The Olympian and his Austrian partner Neil Oberleitner exited in the second round, falling 7-5, 6-1 to fourth seeds Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador and Croatia’s Mate Pavic. Despite entering as late alternates and stunning former Grand Slam champions Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Jordan Thompson in the opener, their run ended abruptly.
Bhambri’s triumph keeps Indian hopes alive in Melbourne, showcasing his experience and fighting spirit on the Grand Slam stage. Fans will be watching closely as he gears up for the next challenge.