French Open 2026: Sriram Balaji Reaches Men’s Doubles Third Round, Yuki Bhambri Exits

India's N Sriram Balaji continued his impressive run at the French Open 2026, advancing to the third round of the men's doubles competition alongside Brazilian partner Marcelo Demoliner.

The Indo-Brazilian duo defeated Germany's Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner in straight sets, winning 7-5, 6-2 in one hour and 27 minutes to book their place in the pre-quarterfinal stage at Roland Garros. The achievement marks only the second time in Balaji's career that he has reached the third round of a Grand Slam men's doubles event. Significantly, both of those appearances have come at the French Open, having first achieved the feat in 2024 before repeating it in 2026.

For Indian tennis fans, Balaji's run ensures continued representation in the men's doubles draw after the exit of compatriot Yuki Bhambri earlier in the day.

The second-round contest began as a closely contested affair, with both teams holding serve consistently through the opening stages. Schnaitter and Wallner, who have enjoyed success on the ATP Challenger circuit, matched Balaji and Demoliner shot for shot during the first set. Neither pair was able to establish a clear advantage as the set progressed towards its conclusion.

The breakthrough eventually arrived at a crucial stage. Balaji and Demoliner capitalised on a late opportunity to secure the decisive break, taking the opening set 7-5 and gaining valuable momentum heading into the second. Having edged the tight first set, the Indo-Brazilian pairing elevated their level considerably in the second.

Their aggressive net play and effective serving put constant pressure on the German duo, who struggled to find answers as the match slipped away. Balaji and Demoliner raced through the second set 6-2, sealing a comfortable straight-sets victory and a place in the third round.

The result represents another important milestone in the career of the 35-year-old Indian doubles specialist. While Balaji has established himself as a regular presence on the ATP doubles circuit, deep runs at Grand Slam tournaments remain particularly valuable. Reaching the third round at Roland Garros once again highlights his growing consistency on one of tennis' biggest stages.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/yuki-bhambri-continues-strong-roland-garros-run-reaches-mixed-doubles-second-round-on-debut

The French Open has proven to be a happy hunting ground for the Indian. His breakthrough Grand Slam doubles performance came in Paris in 2024, and two years later he has matched that achievement.

With confidence building and momentum on his side, Balaji now has an opportunity to push even deeper into the tournament and potentially reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.

While Balaji celebrated success, it was a disappointing day for India's Yuki Bhambri. The Indian and his New Zealand partner Michael Venus were eliminated in the second round after losing to fourth-seeded Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. The experienced Italian pairing secured a straight-sets victory, winning 6-3, 6-4 in a match that lasted one hour and twenty minutes.

Bhambri and Venus entered the tournament with hopes of a deep run, but they struggled to impose themselves against one of the strongest doubles teams in the draw. Bolelli and Vavassori controlled the key moments of the contest, using their experience and chemistry to maintain the upper hand throughout both sets. Despite the defeat in men's doubles, Bhambri's French Open campaign is not over. The Indian remains in contention in the mixed doubles event, where he is partnering Alexandra Panova.

Balaji's progression ensures that Indian interest remains alive in the men's doubles competition heading into the second week of the tournament. Indian men's doubles players have often found success at Grand Slam events, and Balaji's latest achievement adds another chapter to that tradition. His partnership with Demoliner has looked increasingly solid through the opening rounds, combining powerful serving with strong court coverage and effective finishing at the net.

As the competition intensifies, tougher challenges await, but Balaji has already demonstrated the level required to compete with some of the world's best doubles teams.

For now, the Indian can take confidence from another landmark result at Roland Garros. A second career appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam doubles event is a significant accomplishment, and with both of those runs coming in Paris, the French Open is rapidly becoming one of the defining tournaments of Sriram Balaji's career.