Yuki sets up clash with Monfils, Ramkumar out of Citi Open

Yuki Bhambri set up second round clash with world number 22 and defending champion Gael Monfils at the ATP Citi Open after his first round opponent retired mid-way into the contest in Washington.

Yuki, who had qualified for the main draw of the ATP 500 tournament, was leading 7-5 2-0 when American Stefan Kozlov opted out of contest due to viral illness. However, another Indian qualifier, Ramkumar Ramanathan bowed out after a 4-6 1-6 defeat against Argentina's Guido Pella in the opening round. Talking about his clash against showman Monfils, Yuki was highly motivated to take on a quality player.

"It's a good test. We fight and work to play these kinds of matches and compete against the best, so it's a good opportunity," Yuki told PTI from Washington. "He is the defending champion and a class player. I have nothing to lose," said the 25-year-old Delhi lad. Rohan Bopanna is competing in the doubles with American partner Donald Young. The wild card entrants are up against Daniel Nestor and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi.