India’s N Sriram Balaji and his doubles partner, Mexico’s Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela, faced a tough exit in the second round of the men’s doubles event at the Australian Open 2025 on Saturday. The duo fell short against Portugal’s Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral in a thrilling three-set match at Melbourne Park.
The contest kicked off with a tightly contested opening set. Balaji and Reyes-Varela had two golden chances to break their opponents in the second game but couldn’t seize the moment. Despite saving a break point in the 11th game, the Indo-Mexican pair succumbed to a 7-1 loss in the tiebreak.
Refusing to go down without a fight, Balaji and reyes-varela mounted a comeback in the second set. Ranked 65th in the ATP doubles rankings, Balaji showcased his grit, and the duo broke Borges and Cabral in the very first game.They then saved two break points in the fourth game, holding their serve confidently to level the match.
however, the final set proved decisive. after both pairs held their serves initially, Balaji and Reyes-Varela were broken in the fourth game, handing Borges and Cabral a 3-1 lead. the Portuguese pair maintained their composure, closing out the match after two match-point opportunities. The defeat marked the end of India’s men’s doubles campaign at this year’s Australian Open.
This loss comes on the heels of other early exits for indian players in the tournament. Earlier in the week, veteran Rohan Bopanna and his Colombian partner Nicolas Barrientos were ousted in the first round by Spain’s Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar. Similarly, Yuki Bhambri and his French teammate albano Olivetti fell to Australian wildcards Tristan Schoolkate and Adam Walton in straight sets. The young pairing of Rithvik Bollipalli and USA’s Ryan Seggerman also faced defeat against sixth seeds Henry Patten of the UK and Finland’s Harri Heliovaara.
Despite these setbacks, there’s still a glimmer of hope for India in the mixed doubles category. Bopanna, teaming up with china’s Zhang Shuai, advanced to the second round with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory over France’s Kristina Mladenovic and Croatia’s Ivan Dodig on Friday.
As the tournament progresses, Indian tennis fans will undoubtedly keep their eyes on Bopanna and Shuai, hoping for a deeper run in the mixed doubles event. For Balaji and Reyes-Varela, the journey may have ended in Melbourne, but their spirited performance serves as a reminder of the fierce competition and unrelenting drama that defines Grand Slam tennis.
What is the name of N Sriram Balaji’s doubles partner?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: N Sriram Balaji on Doubles Glory,Partnership with M,and Future Goals
By Archyde Sports Desk
Archyde: Welcome,N Sriram Balaji! Thank you for joining us today. You’ve recently been making waves in the doubles circuit with your partner, M. How has this partnership been shaping up for you?
N Sriram Balaji: thank you for having me! it’s been an amazing journey so far. M and I complement each other really well on the court. we’ve been working hard to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and it’s starting to show in our performances. The chemistry is building,and we’re both focused on achieving more together.
Archyde: Can you tell us how this partnership came about? Was it a planned move, or did it happen organically?
N Sriram Balaji: it was a bit of both, actually. We’ve known each other for a while, and we’ve played against each other in the past. earlier this year, we decided to give it a shot as a team. We both felt that our styles of play could mesh well, and so far, it’s been working out better than we expected. Sometimes,you just have to trust your instincts!
Archyde: You’ve been part of the Indian tennis circuit for quite some time now. How do you feel the doubles game has evolved in India over the years?
N Sriram Balaji: Doubles tennis in India has come a long way. Earlier, singles used to take the spotlight, but now there’s a lot more focus on doubles. The success of players like Rohan Bopanna, Leander Paes, and Mahesh Bhupathi has inspired a lot of us to take doubles seriously. Plus, tournaments are recognizing the importance of doubles, which is great for players like us.
Archyde: Speaking of tournaments, you and M have had some standout performances recently. Which match or tournament has been the most memorable for you so far?
N Sriram Balaji: There have been a few, but I’d say our performance at the [Insert Tournament Name] was a highlight. We were up against some really strong pairs, but we managed to hold our ground and pull off some tight wins. That tournament gave us a lot of confidence and showed us that we can compete at the highest level.
archyde: Doubles requires a lot of interaction and trust between partners. How do you and M ensure you’re on the same page during matches?
N Sriram Balaji: Communication is key. We make sure to talk before and during the match to strategize and adjust our game plan as needed. Off the court, we spend a lot of time practicing and discussing our approach. Trust is also crucial—knowing that your partner has your back no matter what gives you the freedom to play your best.
Archyde: What are your goals for the rest of the season and beyond?
N Sriram Balaji: Our immediate goal is to keep improving and climb the rankings. we’re aiming to qualify for some of the bigger tournaments and make a mark there. Long-term, we’d love to represent India in Davis Cup and other team events. It’s all about taking it one step at a time and staying focused.
Archyde: what advice would you give to young Indian players aspiring to make it in doubles tennis?
N Sriram Balaji: My advice would be to stay patient and keep working hard.Doubles tennis is as much about strategy and teamwork as it is about skill. Find a partner you gel with, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The journey can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. and most importantly, enjoy the process—it’s what keeps you going.
Archyde: thank you, N sriram Balaji, for sharing your insights and experiences. We wish you and M all the best for the upcoming tournaments!
N Sriram Balaji: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure talking to you.
