Yuki Bhambri’s sparkling list of achievements in 2009 just got another addition — a place in the Indian Davis Cup team. Previously a reserve member of the squad, the 17-year-old got his slot in the team after Leander Paes withdrew because of injury, a day after winning the US Open men’s doubles title. For someone who lists playing Davis Cup for India as one of his ambitions, this is the experience Yuki has been waiting for.

“I can’t wait for the tie to begin. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve played in team competitions before and they’ve been a lot of fun, but Davis Cup is totally different. With a coach on court to advise and encourage you, it’s better,” says Yuki, speaking to Sportline from Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Delhi player had earlier been part of the reserves for previous ties against Chinese Taipei and Australia. He didn’t make it to Kaohsiung as he was training in the US, while the visitors forfeited the Australia tie in Chennai. Yuki reached the venue on Tuesday and joined Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna for a bit of practice in Ellis Park stadium. He flew in from New York, where he had lost in the quarter-finals of the US Open to American Chase Buchanan.

“I arrived this morning and just got back from a training session. The conditions are very different from what I’ve been used to, the high altitude makes the ball fly and so you kind of lose control. You really have to concentrate and keep your focus,” he says.

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