bhambri-goransson-cruise-into-asb-classic-quarterfinals

Top seeds Yuki Bhambri and Andre Göransson made a commanding start to their ASB Classic campaign on Monday, advancing to the men’s doubles quarterfinals with a clinical straight-sets victory in Auckland.

 

The Indo-Swedish pair brushed aside wild card entrants Ajeet Rai and Jean-Julien Rojer 6-3, 6-2 in their opening-round encounter, displaying superior coordination, consistency on serve and sharp execution at key moments. The contest lasted just over an hour, underlining the top seeds’ strong form at the start of the season.

 

Bhambri and Göransson dominated proceedings from the outset, applying sustained pressure on their opponents’ service games while maintaining control on their own deliveries. They converted four break opportunities and saved three of the four break points they faced, rarely allowing the wild card pairing to settle into rhythm.

 

The win continues Bhambri’s steady resurgence on the doubles circuit. The Indian, a former junior world No. 1, has increasingly focused on doubles in recent seasons after battling injuries earlier in his career. His partnership with Sweden’s Göransson, an established doubles specialist, has begun to yield consistent results on the ATP Tour.

 

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For Göransson, the ASB Classic offers an opportunity to build momentum ahead of the Australian Open, where the duo will be aiming to make a deeper run. The Auckland tournament traditionally serves as a crucial warm-up event for players seeking to fine-tune match sharpness before the season’s first Grand Slam.

 

Rai and Rojer, despite flashes of resistance, were unable to match the precision and pace set by the top seeds. Former world No. 3 doubles player Rojer, returning to competitive action, struggled to impose himself as Bhambri and Göransson dictated play from the baseline and at the net.

 

With the quarterfinal berth secured, Bhambri and Göransson will look to carry their authoritative performance into the later stages as they continue their preparations for Melbourne.