Gonzalez/Demoliner Clinch Maiden Team Triumph In Antalya

Marcelo Demoliner and Santiago Gonzalez failed to convert two championship points in the second set of the Turkish Airlines Open Antalya final. But the Brazilian-Mexican duo recovered from the disappointment to beat Dutchmen Sander Arends and Matwe Middelkoop 7-5, 6-7(6), 10-8 to lift the trophy on Friday.

Demoliner and Gonzalez, who were 2-4 as a pair before the week, claim their maiden title as a team. It’s an especially notable victory for Demoliner, as the 29-year-old fell in his first six tour-level finals.

“It’s a very special moment. It was a great match, a tough one,” Demoliner said. “We had one match point in the second set [on which] I missed a very easy smash. I was a little bit nervous. I’m very happy for my first title. Also playing with this guy, he’s a great guy. It’s very nice to play with him. He brings a great energy on the court with me. So I’m very happy to get the title.”

Demoliner/Gonzalez could have lost the plot in the Match Tie-break, but three mini-breaks carried the team to victory.

“We stayed strong. We are very happy to win our first team title,” said Gonzalez, who now owns 12 tour-level trophies.. “Especially for Demo, this is his first ATP title, so I’m very happy for him.”

The unseeded duo earns 250 ATP Doubles Rankings points and a share of €23,090. The third-seeded Dutchmen, Arends and Middelkoop, fell just short of their maiden team victory. But they add 150 points and a split of €12,140 for their efforts. Arends was attempting to clinch his first tour-level title in his second final. The 26-year-old reached the Bastad final last year with Middelkoop, who is a six-time ATP World Tour champion.

Did You Know?
Both teams played well with their serves under pressure throughout the match. Demoliner/Gonzalez saved seven of eight break points, while Arends/Middelkoop held off seven of nine opportunities.