Indian tennis star Yuki Bhambri scripted history on Saturday by securing his first-ever ATP 500 doubles title at the 2025 Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships. Teaming up with Australian Alexei Popyrin, the dynamic duo stunned the second-seeded pair of Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten in a thrilling finale.
The gripping final saw Bhambri and Popyrin battle back from a set down to snatch victory with a nail-biting 3-6, 7-6(12), 10-8 scoreline. Displaying nerves of steel, they saved all the break points they faced, sealing the match in an intense one-hour and 51-minute showdown.
With this victory, Bhambri joins the elite list of Indian tennis legends who have conquered Dubai, following in the footsteps of Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, and Leander Paes.
Climbing the ATP Rankings Ladder
This landmark win will see Bhambri surge up the ATP Doubles Rankings, with the updated list set to be released on Monday. Meanwhile, Popyrin—who competed in his first-ever ATP Tour doubles final—is set to climb to No. 14 in the PIF ATP Doubles Teams Rankings.
Their opponents, Heliovaara and Patten, were aiming for their sixth tour-level title as a duo and were the top-ranked team in the PIF ATP Doubles Teams Rankings. However, despite earning four match points in the second-set tiebreak, they failed to convert any, allowing Bhambri and Popyrin to stage a remarkable comeback.
Bhambri’s Words of Praise for His Partner
After the match, an elated Bhambri lauded his partner Popyrin, recognizing his potential in the doubles circuit.
“Alexei is an incredible player. We all know how strong he is in singles, but I believe he has a great doubles career ahead of him as well.” – Yuki Bhambri
Popyrin, in turn, expressed his deep appreciation for his Indian teammate:
“Winning here is special—I grew up playing at the Aviation Club. Huge thanks to Yuki for being an incredible mentor in doubles.” – Alexei Popyrin
A Dream Debut for the Indo-Australian Duo
This was the first time Bhambri and Popyrin played together, and they made it a debut to remember by lifting the prestigious Dubai title. Their on-court chemistry, resilience under pressure, and clutch performances in the decisive moments marked them as a formidable pair to watch out for in the future.
What’s Next for Bhambri?
With this title under his belt, Bhambri is expected to gain significant momentum in his doubles career. He has already proven his mettle on the big stage, and this win will undoubtedly boost his confidence heading into the rest of the season.
As Indian tennis fans celebrate another historic achievement, Bhambri’s triumph in Dubai further cements his legacy and raises hopes for more grand slam and ATP victories in the future.
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