Mahut/Pospisil Capture Rotterdam Crown

Nicolas Mahut and Vasek Pospisil captured their first ATP World Tour doubles title together on Sunday as they defeated Philipp Petzschner and Alexander Peya 7-6(2), 6-4 in the final of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.

The French/Canadian duo prevailed at the ATP World Tour 500 indoor hard-court tournament in 79 minutes over Petzschner and Peya, who had knocked out top seeds and defending champions Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau in the semi-finals. After being thwarted on their first four break points, Mahut and Pospisil converted their fifth opportunity in the ninth game of the second set before serving out victory.

Playing together for just the second time after a first-round exit in Rotterdam last year, Mahut and Pospisil had saved one match point in a close semi-final win over Henri Kontinen and John Peers.

The 34-year-old Mahut captured his 11th tour-level doubles title. It is his second victory in Rotterdam, having lifted the trophy in 2014 with countryman Michael Llodra. Last year, Mahut claimed his first Grand Slam title at the US Open alongside Pierre-Hugues Herbert before the French duo made their debut at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

The 25-year-old Pospisil won his sixth ATP World Tour doubles crown. Four of his six titles have come alongside regular partner, Jack Sock, with whom he won the 2014 Wimbledon trophy.

Petzschner and Peya finished runners-up for the second time this season, having also lost in the Doha final in the first week of the season (l. to F. Lopez/ M. Lopez).