Yuki Bhambri enters quarterfinals of Citi Open

Bengaluru, August 4: India's Yuki Bhambri, who had beaten France's Gael Monfils, reached the quarterfinals of the Citi Open, Washington, defeating Argentina's Guido Pella 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-1 in two hours and nine minutes.

Both players traded breaks in the opening set, before Pella won the set via tie break. The Argentine took an early command over the Indian by breaking his serve in the second game to go up 2-0. Unfazed Bhambri brought about a turnaround in the match soon.

Bhambri broke back the World No 100 in the fourth game to level the score. A second break of Pella's serve in the sixth game gave Bhambri a 4-2 lead. Soon, Bhambri served out the set.

Bhambri dominated the final set. The Indian broke Pella in the opening service game and then went up 2-0 holding the serve. A second service break and a quick consolidation had the world No 200 Indian race away to a 4-0 lead.

The Argentinian won the fifth game on his serve but could not save three match points on his serve in the serventh game.

In the quarterfinals, Bhambri will play 15th seeded Kevin Anderson, who upset top seed Dominic Thiem in the third round. The South African won 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (7).