The Indo-Kiwi pair pulled off a notable upset against the 11th-seeded duo of Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram, clinching a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7(8), 6-3 victory in their quarterfinal showdown on Court 17 on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For 33-year-old Bhambri, this marks a significant milestone in his career. Once the junior world No. 1 and winner of the 2009 Australian Open boys\u2019 title, he has now achieved his best-ever result at a senior Grand Slam. His journey, marked by persistent injuries and a transition from singles to doubles, has finally brought him to a major semifinal - a breakthrough moment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The duo's success adds another chapter to India\u2019s storied history in men\u2019s doubles, following in the footsteps of legends like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In their quarterfinal clash, Bhambri and Venus struck early. A sharp return winner from Bhambri on Mektic\u2019s serve gave them a 3-1 lead. Although Venus faced pressure in the next game, he held firm to consolidate the break. The first set was wrapped up with a confident volley winner from Bhambri off Ram\u2019s return.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Momentum shifted in the second set as Bhambri dropped his serve early, allowing Mektic and Ram back into the contest. Despite levelling the set at 4-4, the Indo-Kiwi duo eventually lost it in a tight tiebreak, with Bhambri double-faulting on set point.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the deciding set, Bhambri held firm under pressure, saving a crucial break point in the third game. Then, with Mektic serving at 4-3, the 11th seeds faltered. A double fault at deuce and a brilliant angled backhand from Bhambri earned the decisive break. Venus faced a stern test serving for the match, falling behind 0-40, but the pair saved five break points in total before closing it out when Ram\u2019s return clipped the net.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Momentum shifted in the second set as Bhambri dropped his serve early, allowing Mektic and Ram back into the contest. Despite levelling the set at 4-4, the Indo-Kiwi duo eventually lost it in a tight tiebreak, with Bhambri double-faulting on set point.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, Bhambri and Venus had eliminated the fourth-seeded duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the pre-quarterfinals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n