That was a disappointing run. After what can only be described as an explosive, come-from-behind start, Yuki Bhambri has fizzled out, going down tamely to Ernesto Escobedo, who wins 6-7(2), 2-6, 6-4.
Bhambri and Escobedo are level at one set all, with the American winning it 6-2. Could be anybody's game now, and it'll go down to the wire after that great first set from the Indian.
Escobedo has a 2-1 lead in the second set, up a break of serve. But he took an early lead in the previous one only to lose in a tiebreak so this is not a big worry for the talented Indian!
Yuki Bhambri, take a bow! He's rushing the net, but mostly staying at the baseline and playing some great shots - backhands and forehands, and he takes the first set in a tiebreak!
The Indian is bringing his all here! It looked a bit dangerous for him as he netted a crucial point, but he holds to level 5-5! This is quite the contest.
Bhambri looked threatening for a minute there, but that was a bit short-lived. He's outplayed by Escobedo and quite quickly. Escobedo leads 5-4, and Bhambri will now serve to stay in the set.
Arguably the best rally of the game so far! Escobedo, trying to end that, rushes to the net, hits it, and Bhambri returns with a nice spinning one of his own. That shot went over Escobedo's head in every way possible, and Bhambri evens the playing field again.
We've got a contest on our hands! Escobedo's forehand is going all over the place here and it's not going too well for him. Bhambri has his on point for now, though, and sends a great forehand winner to break back!
Ooh. An attempted drop shot by Escobedo there. It was almost an ace...but unfortunately went very long. Bhambri gets the point, and holds his service game. Bhambri 2-4 Escobedo.
And finally, he holds serve. But the game seems a bit sluggish, somehow, not the pacey stuff we're normally used to seeing from India's former top player.
