Mobile ESPN’s Rohan Narayan caught up with Yuki Bhambri after he won his maiden ITF Futures singles title at the DLTA.

The title clash at the DLTA courts in the USD 15000 Futures event saw wildcard entrant Yuki see off a tough challenge from compatriot Vardhan in the first set but then raised his game to sail through the second set.

There were no nerves from the 16-year-old Delhi lad playing in his first ITF final as he saved a set point in the first set when Vishnu served for the set at 5-4. In the second set, Yuki needed just one break in the third game to seal the match.

By winning the title, the junior world No. 1 Yuki got 25 ATP points and USD 1950 as prize money. The win was also sweet revenge for Yuki who had lost badly to Vishnu when they met in a Challenger in New Delhi in 2008.

Acknowledging the quality game of his rival, Yuki said concentration and focus was key to his win. "It was tough. His serve was very strong. I was trying to neutralise it by engaging him in the long rallies," said Yuki, who was just playing his second tournament after the Australian Open triumph in January.

The 16-year-old was naturally happy to make a good start at the senior level. "It is my first title on men's circuit and first after Australian Open. It is fantastic as I am looking for a smooth transition from the junior to senior level. I hope many more titles will come my way in future," he said.

Next up for Yuki will be another Futures event next week in Delhi and then a couple of more futures events in Kuwait. Yuki is not too excited about playing in the French Open and says clay season is not something he is focusing on right now.

"I am actually looking forward to Wimbledon and want to win there. In the French Open, it would be nice to win a couple of rounds and that will give me confidence for the rest of the tournament."