Yuki Bhambri a win away from main draw of Australian Open

The 24-year-old Indian defeated Serbia's Pedja Kristin 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of qualifying. He will face Ernesto Escobedo in the final round.

Yuki Bhambri looks set to make the main draw of the Australian Open.

Yuki Bhambri is now just one win away from making it to the main draw of the Australian Open.

The 24-year-old Indian defeated Serbia's Pedja Kristin 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of qualifying. He will face World No. 133 Ernesto Escobedo in the final round. The American crushed Japan's Tatsuma Ito 6-1, 6-3.

Yuki Bhambri has shown vast improvement in his form ever since returning from an elbow injury. After missing out six months of play last year, Bhambri captured an ITF title in Hong Kong before entering the pre-quarters of the Chennai Open, where he lost to Frenchman Benoit Paire.

“I played well today. It was another good win for me. I served good and broke him at crucial times and that is what made the difference,” Yuki said after the match. “I have a tough match in the final round. We shall see how it goes.”

Bhambri defeated American Stefan Kozlov 6-1, 6-4 in the first round.