Chennai triumph is good tune-up for first slam of the year, says Bhupathi
Chennai triumph is good tune-up for first slam of the year, says Bhupathi
There were scenes of ecstasy all around the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium as Mahesh Bhupathi smashed a forehand winner to help the fabled pair claim the doubles crown in the Chennai Open. It was Leander Paes and Bhupathi's fifth title here. They ousted Robin Haase (Den) and David Martin (USA) 6-2, 6-7 (3), 10-7 (super tie-break) in an enthralling final.
It seemed to be straightforward for Paes and Bhupathi at the outset. They were serving well and Paes struck delightful volleys complimented by Bhupathi's fine returns.
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However, Haase and Martin picked up their game in the second to force the issue to the tie-break. Haase served well and hit some superb returns to take the match to the super tie-break. The Dutch-US duo led 4-1 before the Indians stormed back with Paes serving well and hitting a superb volley. The Dutchman amazingly made a terrific effort to pick up a drop and strike a stupendous winner.
But Haase netted on his next serve and Bhupathi's terrific forehand pass sealed victory. Paes jumped into Bhupathi's arms like a small child. It's a fantastic start to the 2011 season foru00a0 Paes and Bhupathi. "I dedicate this win to my daughter Aiyana who has a cold and flu," said Paes later.
After 2002...
Their last doubles victory here came in 2002. "It feels great to triumph. The body feels like nine years ago, the last time we won here," said Bhupathi.
"They picked up the quality of their play in the second set especially in the tie-break. They were making fantastic returns. They were dealing with our serves better. We slowed up the pace and that really helped us in the super tie-break," said an emotional Paes.
"We definitely have the momentum with us. We played four good matches here, and there are some exciting new pairs at the Aussie Open, but we are playing well and we fancy our chances," expressed Bhupathi.
The Bangalorean also made a startling revelation. "February 19 is D-Day. The day I wed Lara Dutta," said a nervous Bhupathi.
Earlier, Stanislas Wawrinka, the World No 21, won his maiden singles title here with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 win over Belgium's Xavier Malisse. Wawrinka had knocked out top seed Tomas Berdych in the semifinals on Saturday.
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