Murray/Robredo Survive In Dubai

Three of the top four teams in the Dubai doubles draw were eliminated in the first round on Wednesday. Jamie Murray and Tommy Robredo, teaming for the first time, fought past No. 4 seeds Henri Kontinen and John Peers 2-6, 6-4, 10-8. The unseeded duo dropped serve twice in the opening set, but did not face a break point the rest of the way and won in 76 minutes.

Top seeds Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau were upset by Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez. The Spaniards saved nine of 10 break points faced to win in 76 minutes. Also eliminated were second seeds Rohan Bopanna and Florin Mergea. Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek topped the Indian-Romanian duo 3-6, 7-6(6), 10-4, winning 69 points to their opponents’ 68.

Rising stars Hyeon Chung and Jiri Vesely beat veterans Roberto Bautista Agut and Joao Sousa 6-7(2), 7-6(6), 11-9. The youngsters, who needed to qualify for the main draw, pulled out the win in one hour and 53 minutes.