Serbian Delight In Sofia Doubles Final

Serbian pairing Nenad Zimonjic and Viktor Troicki lifted the Garanti Koza Sofia Open doubles title on Sunday with a 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Mikhail Elgin and Andrey Kuznetsov.

The straight-sets victory lands the Serbians their maiden trophy together and a 54th tour-level doubles title for former doubles World No. 1 Zimonjic. The 40-year-old Zimonjic last clinched a trophy at the Swiss Indoors Basel in 2014 playing alongside Vasek Pospisil and was relieved to become a champion once again.

“It’s been a really long time. I had a couple of finals in 2015 but 2016 was a really tough year for me without a steady partner and some injuries. This is great to be back in a final of an ATP World Tour event, to play with your really good friend. It’s an amazing feeling to do it in front of my wife, my kids, my long-time coach, physio, it’s just huge to play here,” said Zimonjic.

“With such an amazing atmosphere, you felt like you were playing at home. The draw wasn’t easy and we had a great win over Rojer/Tecau. They are one of the best teams on the ATP World Tour. For me it’s a great start to the new season and I’m really looking forward to the next tournament.”

Their Russian opponents had toppled two seeded teams en route to the final but Zimonjic/Troicki fought back from 1-4 down with smart angled volleys to take the opening set. Troicki fended off a break opportunity at 2-3 in the second set with a body serve and an ace, before striking a forehand return winner down the line to secure the decisive break.

“It feels great. First of all it was an honour playing with Nenad; it’s out first title together,” reflected Troicki, having lifted a second ATP World Tour doubles title. “He’s been a big support throughout my career, so to win this title with him is pretty special.”