Washington Open: Yuki Bhambri sets up Gael Monfils clash, Ramkumar Ramanathan bows out

New Delhi: 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. [caption id=“attachment_3190128” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Yuki Bhambri. PTI[/caption] 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 the 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.