Bob and Mike Bryan US Open Champions

Bob and Mike brothers won the US Open doubles title after defeating Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi7-6 7-6.

Bopanna and Qureshi showed no sign of nerves with a solid serving display in the first set. They dropped only seven points behind their delivery as they made it to the tie-break hwre they twice lead by a mini-break and the tension told for Bopanna at 5-5 as he volleyed wide to give the Bryans a set point chance, which was converted thanks to a big serve from Mike Bryan.

In the second set all games went on serve and went into another tie-break. Bob Bryan gave the Americans a 5-3 lead while Mike Bryan sealed victory with an ace.

“It was a close match and it just proved why these guys are No. 1 in the world,” praised Qureshi. “We had an unbelievable run here and the Indo-Pak Express was running pretty well till we met the Bryans.”

“It’s been a great run for us,” added Bopanna. “I’m really thankful that Aisam has played with me. It’s been a fantastic week. I’d like to congratulate the Bryans for being the best team out there.”

Bopanna and Qureshi have been playing together since 2003, though the story of their attempt to promote peace through sports has gathered pace in the past few months.

Bob Bryan said he could tell the atmosphere was going to be decidedly different during warm-ups. “I could see a bunch of Indian and Pakistani fans and I said, ‘We’re not going to have the whole crowd on our side,’” he said.

“This year’s been unbelievable,” said Mike Bryan. “It’s been a dream to win here on this court in front of all the fans; it was a magical atmosphere. This was probably our favourite match, in front of a packed house on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Right now, this is the pinnacle. Where do we go from here?”

Added Bob Bryan: “This has been the best two weeks of my life. This was the best match we’ve ever played. Bopanna and Qureshi played awesome. We just matched their energy and played incredible.”


Source ATP/Reuters
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