Amid Melbourne’s sweltering conditions, Yuki Bhambri and Andre Goransson delivered a gritty 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 upset over Santiago Gonzalez and David Pel, propelling them to the Australian Open 2026 men’s doubles third round. Bhambri emerges as India’s last hope after Sriram Balaji’s early departure.
The 10th seeds, with Bhambri at world No. 22, surrendered the first set via an early break. Extreme heat suspended play mid-second set at 2-2, but their post-resumption surge was unstoppable—zero service games lost, a tie-break masterclass, and dual breaks in the decider.
Bhambri, who won junior singles here in 2014, revisits third-round glory in doubles last seen with Michael Venus that year. His career highlight: US Open semis 2025 with Venus.
Balaji’s journey, alongside late-alternate Neil Oberleitner, thrilled with a round-one stunner against Herbert-Thompson. But top seeds Arevalo-Pavic crushed them 7-5, 6-1.
Bhambri’s poise in adversity signals big things ahead, keeping Indian tennis alive in the doubles spotlight.