Planet Sport

Junior world No. 2 Yuki Bhambri tells Mobile ESPN’s Bhagya Ayyavoo he wants to carry on from where he left off in 2008.

Bhagya Ayyavoo: Yuki, you will be starting a new season in Chennai, in what seems to be a big break for you in India.

Yuki Bhambri: Yes, I think it is the biggest opportunity, to start the year in the men's tour that is the biggest tournament in India and probably one of the biggest events on the ATP tour. I definitely have to do well there. Thanks to my management company IMG, I have got a wild card in doubles. I'm really looking forward to playing the doubles (with Harsh Mankad).

BA: What sort of impact do you think your juniors' winning streak will have on your chances in Chennai?

YB: I'm actually feeling very confident at the moment. Though it (success) has been in the juniors, I have played a couple of men's tour events as well. I played in Chennai last year. I know what it feels to be there, hopefully that will come in handy.

BA: How would you describe the 2008 season, finishing as the second-best junior in the world?

YB: Fabulous, beyond my expectations, I never expected to do so well.

BA: The last quarter has been wonderful for you, when you won three singles titles. Was there something special that you did during those months that earned you the success?

YB: It wasn't just the three months, I have been at it before as well. I have been working hard for a year or two now. I have been trying to add changes to my game. And especially at the end of the year it came handy, especially in Japan and Mexico in the Junior Davis Cup - I was working on my swing, serve and volley and all that came handy.

BA: What's the added dimension to your game now?

YB: I have always been an attacking base-liner. In today's play, though we don't have too many serve and volley players, the points are won by the aggressive one that comes to the net and finishes off the points. So, I have been working on my net play.

BA: How does the special ‘strength training' that is part of your fitness program now impact your game?

YB: Yes, you're right, the training part especially has been helpful. The training schedule at Nick Bollettieri academy and the one in India are the same. It helps when you follow a strict regime.

BA: You played nearly double the number of matches than other top players like Dimitrov, Tomic and Yang in 2008. Has that helped you in any way?

YB: Yang and Dimitrov are a year older and they have been in the junior circuit for quite sometime. Especially Dimitrov, he was doing well even in 2007. I'm still young. I have enjoyed every tournament that I've played (in 2008). I have traveled quite a bit, from Australia to New York. Those three have done well in the past and are higher in the rankings. Now, they have started featuring more in the ATP events. Tomic started to play more in the men's circuit after his Australian Open (junior) triumph. They have been playing in the men's circuit as well. Probably that is the difference.

BA: Despite winning three important titles in 2008, the big one is still missing...

YB: It is. I hope I get it (junior Grand Slam) in January in Australia. I leave Delhi on January 15.

BA: And how do you plan to achieve that?

YB: Like I said, I have been working hard at my fitness. I know I can do it. I can actually go and win the championship. I have played there and I know the conditions and the (Aussie) conditions actually suit me as well.

BA: You are touring quite a bit, how do you cope being away from home?

YB: Yes, I was away for 5-6 months in 2008. I was also training at the Bollettieri academy and that made it more hectic. Mostly my mom travels with me for my training, sometimes my coach accompanies me. Somebody or other is there always. But yes, I miss being away from home, definitely miss my sisters, and miss troubling them. But, I think it is part of the game and I think you got to make some sacrifices.

BA: Yes you make sacrifices, and you have to stay focused as well, what do you do for that?

YB: Well, my mom's there for it. She has always been there. She helps me keep my focus and avert all distractions (laughs).

BA: Do you get any chance to interact with other Indian players in the senior circuit like Prakash Amritraj and Somdev Devvarman?

YB: No, not really. I have been there (training) only at the Bollettieri academy or played at the US Open. No, never really had the chance to talk to anybody.

BA: Goals for 2009?

YB: The most important goal would be to win a Grand Slam, that's the main part. And, I would like to play more in the men's tour and end the year in the top 500.

BA: Now, you're ready to make the transition from juniors to the ATP circuit, what are you doing to ensure the transition is smooth?

YB: I think being young, I have an advantage on my side. And, I don't have any pressure on me now. I have done my bit in juniors and still have time, still have about a year or two to take the big step into the ATP circuit. But, I think I'm on the right track, with regards to my coaches, my fitness. I have strengthened my net game, adding more variation, hopefully, this will come in handy. In the men's circuit, you have to be fit every day, for every match. Every day you got to last for at least 3 hours, so that could make a difference.