Mektic/Pavic Lift Second Trophy Of Season In Geneva

Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic earned their second ATP Tour trophy in as many weeks on Saturday at the Gonet Geneva Open, rallying past Pablo Andujar and Matwe Middelkoop 2-6, 6-2, 10-3 in the final.

The Croatians arrived in Geneva off the back of winning their maiden title of the season in Rome and played with renewed confidence at the ATP 250 event, losing just two sets en route to the crown.

In a tight final, the top seeds recovered from a slow start against Andujar and Middelkoop as they returned with greater depth and closed the net more effectively throughout to secure victory after 69 minutes.

“I am really happy about the nine-win streak,” Mektic said. “We weren’t satisfied with our results before Rome but now we are in good form and looking forward to playing in Paris.”

Mektic and Pavic were competing in their fourth tour-level final of the year and have now won their past nine matches. It is the 11th title the pair has won together, after they captured a tour-leading nine crowns in 2021, including three ATP Masters 1000 trophies.

Prior to this week, Pavic, 28, also enjoyed success in Geneva in 2018 and 2019, lifting the trophy on both occasions with Austrian Oliver Marach. Mektic, 33, was making his debut in Geneva and is now 19-13 in tour-level doubles finals.

“I have played the tournament four times and now have my third title,” Pavic said. “It is always a special week and I am always happy to be back here. I have a lot of friends here and it is kind of a different feeling for me. I enjoy playing on the centre court and the club. I play good tennis here year after year. I am very happy with the title.”

Spaniard Andujar and Dutchman Middelkoop were teaming for the first time at the ATP 250 tournament. Middelkoop captured his 12th trophy in Rotterdam in February, while Andujar was aiming to win his maiden tour-level doubles title.