Bryans Battle Back to Win Fourth ATP Finals Title

November 17, 2014 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal

The top-seeded American pair of Bob & Mike Bryan captured their fourth ATP World Tour Finals trophy on Sunday, coming back from a set down to defeat the seventh seeds Ivan Dodig & Marcelo Melo 6-7(5), 6-2, 10-7 at The 02 Arena in London.

The Bryans got off to a slow start in this one, as they took on a team that had yet to win a title all season long. The pair of Dodig & Melo hung tough in the opening set by saving all four of the break points they faced, and outlasted the Americans in a tie-break.

Things would change in the second set, though, as the Bryans’ were able to notch a couple of break points. Up 5-2, Bob Bryan ripped a backhand winner on a serve from Melo to break the Croat-Brazilian pair and send the match into a tiebreak.

With momentum on their side the Americans took control of the tiebreak early. They took three of the first four points, eventually closing it out 10-7 to take home their 103rd title as a team.

“Looking back at the year, we’re very proud of the way it went,” said Mike Bryan. “If we had to pick one highlight during this great season, it would probably have to be the U.S. Open. It was just a milestone we were shooting for.”

The pair captured their 100th career title at the US Open this past September, and won two more titles before heading to London last week.

“This is considered the fifth slam, with the top eight teams in the world,” added Mike Bryan. “To lose our first match and bounce back, barely qualify for the semifinals, win today, was a great feeling.”

The Bryans improved to 64-12 on the 2014 season which included 10 titles, the fourth time the pair has accomplished that feat. Dodig & Melo finish the year at 30-21.


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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