Christchurch: Yuki Bhambri, the hero of India's hard-fought 3-2 win over New Zealand in the Davis Cup, is relishing the fact that his was a decisive win in the fifth rubber which took them to World Group Play-offs.
Yuki brushed aside the challenge of Michael Venus, with whom he reached the Australian Open doubles third round last year, to record a memorable win.
Yuki said he worked very hard before the tie, anticipating a tough outings in New Zealand.
"I have been working hard, I worked the last two weeks in the Delhi heat to be ready if I had to play long matches and I've been trying to improve my game so just happy that I could do my bit for the country and the team. There is no better feeling than to win the last rubber," Yuki told PTI in an exclusive chat.
The 23-year-old said the Kiwi players may be lower-ranked but they were no pushovers.
"Believe me we are happy that we pulled this off. Don't forget we were very close to losing and I don't think India has come back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 on too many occasions," he said.
Yuki is keen to carry forward his good form into the ATP circuit.
"Yes I would love to keep it going. I Have a busy schedule in the States so hopefully can win a few matches before the US Open," he said.
Asked if has made any changes to his training, Yuki said, "Nothing new, the usual, just trying to work on my fitness and endurance so trying to do a lot of running."
India coach Zeeshan Ali was relieved that Indian players came good on the final day.
"It was definitely a big win for us as it gives us another shot at a place in the world group. If we lost this tie then playing China in China was not something any of us were looking forward to," he said.
