The first set was more of a closely fought contest with the first six games staying on serve. After a lengthy seventh game, Bhambri moved forward by breaking Basic’s serve but the World No 75 came straight back. Bhambri then took the all important break in the 11th game before going on to hold serve to take the opening set 7-5.

Bhambri has had an impressive showing in two consecutive ATP Masters 1000 events by coming through the qualifiers to make the main draws of both Indian Wells and Miami. He went on to reach the third round in Indian Wells before going down to Sam Querrey. Next up for him is Sock with Bhambri holding a 1-0 head-to-head advantage. The Indian had beaten Sock in 2013 in a Challenger event.