Yuki Bhambri and Sweden’s Andre Goransson advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles at the 2026 Australian Open after a commanding straight-sets victory over Australian wildcards James Duckworth and Cruz Hewitt at Melbourne Park. The 10th-seeded Indo-Swedish duo demonstrated exceptional teamwork, blending aggressive net play with precise serving to dominate proceedings from the first point.

Yuki Bhambri and Goransson Dominate Opening Round

From the outset, Bhambri and Goransson established control by breaking the Duckworth-Hewitt pairing in the fourth game of the first set. Their crisp volleys, smart shot placement, and seamless communication allowed them to secure the set 6-3 in just 28 minutes. Their coordination highlighted the strength of their partnership, making them a formidable presence on the ATP doubles circuit.

Second Set Showcases Composure and Experience

In the second set, Duckworth and Hewitt sought to mount a comeback, producing exciting rallies and testing the seeded duo’s baseline consistency. However, Bhambri and Goransson’s experience proved decisive. They broke serve in the seventh game and maintained their lead, winning the set 6-4 in a total match time of 57 minutes. Bhambri’s reflexes and Goransson’s steady serve were key factors in their commanding performance.

Historical Context and Past Performances

Bhambri, a former top-100 singles player, has reinvented himself as a doubles specialist. His previous Australian Open highlight came in 2014 when he reached the third round with New Zealand’s Michael Venus. Last year, Bhambri and Goransson made a notable semi-final run at the US Open, cementing their reputation as a strong doubles pairing.

Upcoming Challenges in the Second Round

Looking ahead, Bhambri and Goransson will face either Mexico’s Santiago Gonzalez and the Netherlands’ David Pel or Brazil’s Marcelo Melo and Fernando Romboli in the second round. Both pairs bring extensive experience and proven doubles records, promising an intense and competitive match. The Indo-Swedish duo’s blend of skill, strategy, and synergy will be crucial for a deeper run at Melbourne Park.

Serving Prowess and Tactical Execution

Bhambri and Goransson dominated their service games throughout the match. In the first set, they held four of their five service games to love, dropping only a single point in the ninth game. In the second set, they replicated the feat, winning four of five service games to love, with a crucial break in the seventh game sealing the victory. Their sharp tactical execution reflects their growing status among top doubles teams.

Mixed Doubles and Broader Tournament Participation

Bhambri will also partner with 2018 Wimbledon champion Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the USA in the mixed doubles event. They are set to face the sixth-seeded Zhang Shuai of China and Germany’s Tim Putz in the opening round. Bhambri’s participation in both men’s and mixed doubles demonstrates his versatility and commitment to competing at the highest level in multiple disciplines.

Other Indian Players in the Draw

Meanwhile, another Indian entrant, Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, exited in the first round of the men’s doubles. Partnering Thailand’s Pruchya Isaro, Poonacha lost 7-6(3), 7-5 to Spain’s Pedro Martínez and Jaume Munar. Bhambri and Goransson’s success thus represents a strong showing for India at Melbourne Park and a promising trajectory in the men’s doubles category.

Outlook for Australian Open 2026

As the tournament progresses, Bhambri and Goransson’s combination of experience, coordination, and tactical acumen positions them as one of the standout doubles teams. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the duo navigates tougher opponents and potentially deep runs in both men’s and mixed doubles events, solidifying their reputation on the international stage. Their ability to adapt match by match, read opponents’ strategies, and maintain composure in high-pressure moments could prove decisive as the stakes rise in the latter stages of the competition.

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