Having replaced an injured Paes, Yuki Bhambri is excited to have been promoted as the fourth player in the Davis Cup squad.

By Bhagya L Ayyavoo

Perhaps, everything happens for a reason. When Australia pulled out of the Davis Cup tie against India in Chennai in July, quoting security reasons, young Yuki Bhambri who earned his first cap was disappointed. 

However, two months later, Yuki couldn't have asked for a more challenging start to his Davis Cup career.

The 17-year-old who was named as the replacement for an injured Leander Paes in the play-off against South Africa has been caught a little off-guard. Talking to Mobile ESPN from Johannesburg, Yuki said, "Leander is almost like a legend. I can't really fill into his shoes. He has won a lot of matches for India in Davis Cup. We're obviously going to miss Leander."

But, Yuki was quick to focus on the brighter side. "With Somdev (Devvarman) being consistent, Rohan (Bopanna) back and Mahesh (Bhupathi) in doubles, we still have a realistic chance to win this tie. Hopefully, I should play my best and help India win (if given a chance)."

A win in Johannesburg will help India enter the World Group after a gap of 11 years.

Yuki, the fifth member of the Indian Davis Cup team, was promoted as the fourth member on Tuesday, when the newly-crowned US Open men's doubles champion, Paes, pulled out from the crucial away-tie due to an elbow and shoulder injury suffered during his successful campaign at Flushing Meadows.

It was a big setback to India as the 36-year-old flaunts an impressive 84-31 win-loss record in the Davis Cup. 19 years after Paes' dream debut as a 16-year-old in the prestigious team event in a doubles tie, Yuki finds himself in a similar spot.

"It's a bonus for me, especially after doing well in the professional circuit. And to represent India at such a young age is phenomenal. It's almost like a dream come through," said Yuki.

It has been a breakthrough year so far for the Delhi boy. After winning his first junior Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January, Yuki's early successes on the ITF circuit has been phenomenal. Four ITF Futures titles have come in a span of three months for him.

"It has been fantastic. I have exceeded my own expectations this year and I am looking forward to play and win more matches in the professional circuit."

His good run is already reflecting on his improved ranking. From, No. 642 in the first week of July, Yuki has soared as high as No. 422 in the new ATP rankings released on September 14.

The young ace is impressed with his new numbers. "It is an added bonus to be ranked so high. This means, even at this (early) stage, I can start competing at higher level tournaments and see where I stand," Yuki said.

After missing out on most part of the year due to injury, Bopanna has slipped to No. 488 in the singles rankings, making Yuki the second best-ranked singles player next to Somdev (ranked 133) at No. 422. But, the big-serving Bopanna is an experienced campaigner and will be India's second singles option.

Whether he plays or not, Yuki is excited for sure. "Very rarely we get to play team events. It's something new for me (at the senior level). I am definitely looking forward to it. I know it is going to be challenging." 

From Leander to Yuki now, will it be the case of one fairytale to another? Only time will tell!