Murray/Soares Survive In Barcelona

Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares are into the doubles quarter-finals at the Barcelona Open BancSabadell after saving a match point in a 6-4, 4-6, 14-12 win over Henri Kontinen and John Peers. The third seeds were a point from losing at 11-10 in the Match Tie-break, but recovered to claim victory in 85 minutes. The British/Brazilian duo advanced despite winning five fewer points than their opponents (64-69) and will face Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez.

Moving into the semi-finals are second seeds Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan, who eased past Poles Lukasz Kubot and Marcin Matkowski. The Americans only lost two first-serve points (27/29), did not face a break point and prevailed in just 50 minutes.

“We played a very sharp match and we’re especially happy with the way we served today,” Mike Bryan said. “To lose only four points on serve against two great returners speaks volumes to our great serving performance. I think we’re both in a really good place physically, mentally, and game wise and we’re very optimistic for our upcoming matches.”

Fourth seeds Rohan Bopanna and Jean-Julien Rojer are into the quarter-finals after dismissing Spanish wild cards Pablo Carreno Busta and David Marrero 7-5, 6-3. Bopanna/Rojer fired eight aces and saved all four break points faced.