The volleying ‘Yuki’zen

Yuki Bhambri, who is all set to make waves in the tennis circuit in 2014, is not just passionate about tennis but is also crazy about food and dining at posh restaurants.

“We have a big family so there are always discussions on cricket and movies. We do talk about tennis as well but we are also passionate about having good food and love to dine at famous restaurants,” said Yuki.

The 21-year old Delhi lad is the youngest sibling of Sanaa and Ankita — both Fed Cup players. Of his cousins, Prateek is a professional tennis player who has now joined the family business, and Prerna a three-time hard court national champion.

When asked whom he wanted to invite for dinner, he quips, “Shahrukh Khan. He comes across as a very witty person and it would be totally enjoyable, an evening with the Badshah of Bollywood.”

Yuki who made a swift transition from the junior to the senior level, won an ATP Challengers title in Australia before clinching the ITF Futures title in New Delhi in October.

Travelling is an integral part of a tennis player’s life but Yuki says, “I don’t feel lonely as my laptop is my best friend. My computer has all the latest TV shows. So after my matches at the tournaments, I watch my favourite programmes or chat with my family and friends. I don’t feel lonely. In fact, travelling alone makes me more mature and responsible,” said the Davis Cupper.

Yuki, who won the Australian Open boys’ singles championship in 2009, said the biggest regret in his life was not taking up cricket.

“Apart from tennis, I like playing other sports like cricket and golf. I regret not becoming a cricket player and my sporting hero is also a cricketer. I idolise Sachin Tendulkar for his dedication, hard work and humility,” said the lanky lad.

Yuki owes his success to his family and coach Aditya Sachdeva but confesses he is closest to elder sister Ankita.

“I love to spend time with Ankita when I am low as she understands me best and provides me emotional support,” he adds, who finds Ana Ivanovic and Sorana Cirstea the most glamorous players on the tennis circuit.

His doting sister Ankita is all praise for her younger brother and says he is, “Very protective despite being the youngest among the three siblings. Yuki is loving and a down-to-earth person. Even though he is much younger that me, he is protective and makes sure that I am safe when I go out.”

Ankita also accompanies Yuki for tournaments and training sessions occasionally, and is eager to see him compete in the Grand Slams. “I was travelling a lot when he was younger and he is out now for most of the year playing tournaments. Of course, I miss him, but he shares his experiences and we catch up on what happened while he was away. The last time I travelled with him was during his training at the Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida, 2012. I hope to see him play live at the Grand Slams,” she adds.

Yuki is pursuing his graduation from Delhi University while competing professionally on the tennis tour.

“I have full faith in his potential and talent and hope he comes in the top 100 singles ranking soon. I am happy with his recent performances. I had a chance to watch him play some matches recently and was glad to see Yuki play well and his game was few levels above the rest. I hope he wins bigger and higher tournaments in the coming months,” said Ankita.

For Quick Bites

• Most memorable sporting moment: Winning the Junior Australian Open.
• Worst sporting moment: Losing matches due to cramps.
• Favourite venue: The Australian Open.
• A sport he would pay the most to see: Cricket.
• Biggest regret: Not becoming a cricketer.
• Person he learnt the most from: My coach Aditya Sachdeva.
• How will he like to be remembered? As an honest person.
• Favourite actors: Shah Rukh Khan