Despite missing out on a main draw spot, 17-year-old Yuki Bhambri counts on the positives from India's only ATP tournament.

Bhagya Ayyavoo: When you beat the top seed to enter the final qualifying draw, a spot in the main draw looked very much on the cards? Then a tight loss to Louk Lorensen in the final, disappointed?

Yuki Bhambri: Yes, I got a lot of confidence winning the match against Illya Marchenko (ranked 120 in the world). He’s the highest-ranked player I have ever played and beaten. But Lorensen played really well. He dominated with his forehand and pushed me to the limit. I had a very hard time staying in the match and pulling off the second set. I think I had the momentum after winning the tie-breaker, but it was just a different level to play at. The pace is quite different from what I am used to in juniors. But I cramped in the third set and lost it from there and just couldn’t really come back.

BA: You have already won two matches in the qualifiers and you will be playing doubles as well with Carlos Moya, what are the positives from this qualifying campaign?

YB: Lots. From here on I am going to Australia. I am going to face the same kind of players. It will be the same level of players. It’s a good start, but there is a long way to go and would be awesome if I can stay healthy and complete with them. There’s still a lot of work to put in, especially with respect to fitness. To stay here and play three, four and five matches, it’s going to take a lot more hours working out in the gym.

BA: Like in the case of Lorensen, who dominated you with a strong forehand, you will be facing many such one-weapon wonders as you compete at the higher level. How are you going to handle those players?

YB: My forehand is my strength, it does wonders for me. I can generate a lot of pace as well. I do get a lot of free points from it. Besides that, one other biggest strength is the surprise weapon that I have in my game. Occasionally, I can come to the net and finish off points well. I am sure that will help me win a lot more matches.

BA: From first-round exits at the qualifying round in the last two seasons, how much has Yuki grown?

YB: I have matured a lot from the time I started as a 15-year old. I broke the jinx of losing in the opening qualifying round matches here. I have always done well at home. And I am pleased to break the jinx in Chennai.

BA: Before the start of the qualifiers, you said you’re set to win a couple of rounds, and you won exactly two matches.

YB: (Laughs) May be I should have said three rounds. There’s always a next time.

BA: You seem to look taller with every win, have you grown up a bit?

YB: I don’t think I have grown for a while now. I am six feet and staying at six. But a couple of inches more will be good. I will get a couple more free points. But yesterday when I was standing next to (Marin) Cilic on the ramp, I was looking very short. He’s 6 feet and 6 inches!

BA: Now that you’ve mentioned ramp, tell us about you experience at the players’ fashion show on Sunday. Was it the first time for you on the ramp?

YB: Yes and I was very nervous. But it was fun. I didn’t know what to expect and what to do. It gradually went on and it was fine.