Citi Open: India’s Yuki Bhambri stuns defending champion Gael Monfils in thriller

India’s Yuki Bhambri played the match of his life to stun World No. 22 and defending champion Gael Monfils 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 in their Round of 32 encounter at the Citi Open. Bhambri, ranked 200, made it to the ATP 500 tournament through the qualifying rounds, before defeating American Stefan Kozlov in the Round of 64.

On Wednesday, Monfils fought back to push forth a third set decider after Bhambri took the opening set. Finally, it was a the Indian’s gritty forehand strokes that resulted in the biggest win of his career.

“It’s a good test. We fight and work to play these kinds of matches and compete against the best, so it’s a good opportunity,” said Bhambri after the match. “He is the defending champion and a class player. I had nothing to lose.”

The 25-year-old will go up against Guido Pella in the next round of the tournament. Pella is the man who ousted Ramkumar Ramanathan in the first round of the tournament.