Groth/Guccione Grab Newport Doubles Title

Aussies Sam Groth and Chris Guccione won their second ATP World Tour team title on Saturday, beating Brit Jonathan Marray and Canadian Adil Shamasdin 6-4, 6-3 to capture the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships doubles title in Newport.

Groth and Guccione, 6’4” and 6’7”, respectively, hit 11 aces and erased the only break point faced against Marray/Shamasdin, who were playing in their first ATP World Tour final as a team. The Aussies also lost only eight points on their serve (40/48). Their previous team title came at Bogota in 2014 (d. Barrientos/Cabal).

“It was a great serving week and today thankfully we mixed it with a couple good returns,” Groth said.

The win marked Groth’s first Newport doubles title but Guccione’s third, and all have come with different partners. The left-hander won the title in 2010 with Carsten Ball and in 2014 with Lleyton Hewitt.

“Obviously I like it here,” Guccione said. “It’s a great place, great town and a well-run tournament so hopefully I can continue my good run.”

The champions earn 250 Emirates ATP Doubles Rankings Points and will split $27,840. Marray/Shamasdin will receive 150 Emirates ATP Doubles Rankings point and split $14,630.