After Upsetting Bryans, Paes and Stepanek Win U.S. Open Men’s Doubles Crown in Finals
September 9, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal
Leander Paes & Radek Stepanek took home the 2013 U.S. Open Men’s Doubles title, defeating Alexander Peya & Bruno Soares in straight sets 6-1, 6-3. Paes & Stepanek rode the momentum they gained by defeating the world number one and top-seeded Bryan Brothers in the semifinals and made the finals victory look easy. They were victorious in only 1 hour and 12 minutes.
“As a team, we have always been a team on the court, and with this trophy, I think this year is very special because of what we have both been going through this year,” said Stepanek. “It all means a lot, both of us.”
Paes, 40, who has been living in New York the past few years, won his third U.S. Open doubles title and the eighth major title of his career. It was Stepanek’s second major doubles title after winning the 2012 Australian Open with Paes.
“There is one thing we would like to achieve, and that’s winning the World Championships at the end of the year, because that’s the trophy which is missing in Leander’s showcase,” said Stepanek. “That’s what I’m very focused on. That’s what I would like to deliver to his showcase.”
