Middelkoop/Jebavy Triumph In St. Petersburg

Roman Jebavy and Matwe Middelkoop captured their first ATP World Tour doubles together on Sunday as they defeated top seeds Julio Peralta and Horacio Zeballos 6-4, 6-4 in the St. Petersburg Open final.

It is the 27-year-old Jebavy’s second ATP World Tour title after lifting the Istanbul trophy with Czech countryman Jiri Vesely in May. Middelkoop claimed his fourth career crown and second of the year, following victory in Sydney with Wesley Koolhof.

“We always wanted to play together but it was about finding the right moment,” said Middelkoop. “We first played in Gstaad a few months ago and then decided to play here and it was an excellent choice. We had great energy and I think that gave us this result.

“My mom is Russian and my grandmother is Russian. I was raised Russian and I lived there for a year. I have a nice feeling playing here. St. Petersburg is my second second city and to bring my grandmother to the middle of the centre court and see everyone cheering for her is an emotional moment.”

Against the top seeds in the final, the Czech/Dutch duo converted two of their seven break points to prevail in 62 minutes, winning 75 per cent of their service points.

“Last Saturday, I played Davis Cup against Matwe and then Monday morning we flew here,” said Jebavy. “We played our best and did really well. This is just a great tournament. I hope to be back next year.”

Jebavy and Middelkoop were playing together for just the second time this week, after making the Gstaad semi-final in July, and only dropped one set en route to the title at this ATP World Tour 250 indoor hard-court tournament. 

Against the top seeds in the final, the Czech/Dutch duo converted two of their seven break points to prevail in 62 minutes, winning 75 per cent of their service points. They received 250 Emirates ATP Doubles Rankings points and shared $54,220 in prize money.

Peralta and Zeballos were bidding for their fifth title together and dropped to a 4-3 finals record.