Yuki Bhambri Continues Strong Roland-Garros Run, Reaches Mixed Doubles Second Round on Debut
Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri continued his impressive Roland-Garros campaign by reaching the second round of the mixed doubles event on debut, partnering Russia’s Alexandra Panova to secure a hard-fought straight-set victory in Paris on Thursday.
The Indo-Russian pair defeated Ukraine’s Lyudmyla Kichenok and Dutch player David Pel 7-6(2), 7-6(5) in a tightly contested opening-round encounter to advance to the Round of 16. The victory added to an encouraging week for Bhambri, who had already progressed in the men’s doubles draw earlier in the tournament. The result also ensured that Indian interest remains alive in the mixed doubles competition after Anirudh Chandrasekar and his Japanese partner Yuzuki Chiba suffered a heartbreaking first-round exit earlier in the day.
The opening-round clash presented a stern test for Bhambri and Panova. Their opponents brought significant pedigree into the match. Kichenok is a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, while Pel arrived in Paris having reached the Wimbledon men’s doubles final in 2025. Despite facing an experienced pairing, Bhambri and Panova remained composed throughout a match that offered little margin for error.
Neither side managed to establish a decisive advantage in the opening set. Service games were fiercely contested, but both pairs consistently found solutions under pressure to force a tiebreak. Once the set entered the breaker, Bhambri and Panova raised their level considerably.
The pair dominated the tiebreak 7-2, producing aggressive returns and clean execution at the net to move ahead by one set. The second set followed a similar pattern. Again, both teams held serve effectively, refusing to surrender momentum. Opportunities were scarce, and the contest increasingly looked destined for another tiebreak.
When the crucial moments arrived, Bhambri and Panova once more demonstrated superior composure. They edged the second tiebreak 7-5 to complete a straight-sets victory and book their place in the last 16.
Interestingly, the victory marked the fourth time Bhambri has defeated David Pel during the 2026 season. While the encounters have come across different events and formats, the repeated success suggests that the Indian has consistently found ways to neutralise Pel’s strengths. That familiarity may have provided a psychological advantage heading into the match, particularly during the pressure-filled tiebreaks where small margins often determine the outcome.
Bhambri's ability to stay calm in those moments proved decisive once again. The mixed doubles victory adds another positive chapter to what has been an encouraging Roland-Garros campaign for the 32-year-old. After rebuilding his career through doubles competition in recent seasons, Bhambri has established himself as one of India’s leading doubles specialists on the ATP Tour.
His performances in Paris reflect that growth. Earlier this week, Bhambri and New Zealand's Michael Venus advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles competition, ensuring Indian representation remained strong in the doubles draws. Now, with progression in mixed doubles as well, Bhambri has given himself opportunities to make deep runs in multiple events.
For a player who has battled injuries throughout his career, these consistent performances at Grand Slam level underline the resurgence he has enjoyed over the last few seasons.
The road ahead, however, becomes significantly more difficult. Bhambri and Panova will face fourth seeds Desirae Krawczyk of the United States and Britain’s Neal Skupski in the Round of 16. The pairing is among the strongest mixed doubles teams in the world. Krawczyk is one of the most successful mixed doubles players of her generation, with multiple Grand Slam titles to her name. Skupski, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the elite doubles players on the ATP circuit and possesses extensive experience at the highest level.
The fourth-seeded duo will start as favourites, but Bhambri and Panova have already shown they can thrive under pressure. Victories over accomplished opponents in the opening round should provide confidence heading into the contest.
Disappointment for Anirudh Chandrasekar
Elsewhere, it was a frustrating day for another Indian hopeful. Anirudh Chandrasekar and Japan’s Yuzuki Chiba came agonisingly close to advancing but ultimately fell short in a dramatic three-set battle. The pair lost 3-6, 7-6, 6-7 after pushing the match to a deciding-set tiebreak. While the defeat was disappointing, Chandrasekar once again demonstrated his ability to compete effectively on the Grand Slam stage.
Bhambri’s success is part of a broader positive week for Indian tennis at Roland-Garros. With multiple Indian players advancing in doubles competitions, the country's presence remains visible deep into the tournament. For Bhambri specifically, the opportunity now is to build on the momentum. A place in the mixed doubles quarterfinals would represent another significant achievement in a season that has already featured several strong performances on the international circuit.
The challenge against the fourth seeds will undoubtedly be demanding, but the Indian has already shown in Paris that he is capable of delivering under pressure. With confidence growing and form improving, Bhambri will believe another upset could be within reach.
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