Yuki Bhambri stuns Gael Monfils to enter pre-quarterfinal of Citi Open

Washington: Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri entered the third round of the Citi Open being played in Washington as he stunned world number 22 and defending champion Gael Monfils on Thursday.

Bhambri defeated Monfils 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 in a second round contest that lasted for almost two hours, thus registering one of the most memorable wins of his career. Monfils looked out of sorts and was duly sent packing by the 25-year-old Indian.

Bhambri started well in the first set and won it 6-3 before Monfils mounted a comeback in the second set.

The 30-year-old French star levelled things at the end of the second set by winning it 6-4 but it was Bhambri who had the last laugh as he sealed a tight third set 7-5 to win the match.

Bhambri had earlier set up the second round clash with the world number 22 after his first round opponent had to retire.

Bhambri, 2009 Australian Open Junior Championship, will now face Guido Pella of Argentina for a place in the quarter-finals. Should he beat Pella, the Indian will probably clash with Dominic Thiem or 15th-seeded Kevin Anderson