Yuki no match for Berdych, again falls at first hurdle

India’s Yuki Bhambri crashed out of the Australian Open men’s singles event after losing in straight sets to world number six Tomas Berdych in the opening round here on Monday.

Berdych kicked off his 50th consecutive Grand Slam in style, demolishing Yuki 7-5 6-1 6-2 in one hour and 45 minutes. Yuki started off well but his game deteriorated as the match progressed in fiercely hot conditions at the Margaret Court Arena. The Indian youngster proved no match for the sixth seed Berdych, who only dropped his service once in the opening set.

Inexperience was writ large on Yuki’s game as Berdych broke the Indian’s serve six times. Last year’s semifinalist Berdych dropped his opening service game as Yuki was able to stick with his fancied opponent early on. However, in the end, Yuki failed to match the big-hitting Czech who dominated proceedings from 5-5.

A double-fault that handed Berdych the first set in effect spelt the end for Yuki, who quickly fell apart as the Czech took complete control of the match, dictating the Indian’s serve with searching returns and firing down 13 aces against his opponent’s two.