Third seeds Leander Paes and Janko Tipsarevic won the Aircel Chennai Open title on Sunday with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over fourth-seeded Israelis Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram.
Paes lifted the Chennai title for the sixth time with his 48th tour-level doubles trophy, while Tipsarevic made up for defeat in the singles final (l. to Raonic) by capturing his first team title.
I know how difficult it is mentally to play two finals on the same day,” said Paes. “The way he [Tipsarevic] prepared for both the finals, it was impeccable. He epitomises what an athlete should be.”
Tipsarevic admitted, “I had a very hard pre-season. I have that every year. Fitness in general is one of my strength. I love playing with someone who loves to ask me something but also to give something.”
The Indian-Serbian team share $21,800 in prize money and 250 ATP Doubles Team Rankings points, while Erlich and Ram earn a cheque for $11,480 and 75 points.
Paes and Tipsarevic took a 3-0 lead, with two breaks of serve. They won 18 of their 28 service points in the 35-minute first set.
The teams exchanged breaks of serve at the beginning of the second set. Ram lost his serve to 30 at 4-4, which handed Paes an opportunity to close out victory in 74 minutes.
Source: ATPWorldTour
