Bryan Brothers Upset in ATP Finals Opener

November 11, 2014 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal

The second day of the ATP World Tour Finals doubles tournament produced a big upset, as the eighth-seeded Lukasz Kubot & Robert Lindstedt upset Bob & Mike Bryan in the opening round-robin match from London on Monday.

The Bryans entered the tournament as three-time defending champions and fresh off the pair’s 100th career title together, but were quickly ousted by the Polish/Swedish duo in 79 minutes.

The first set would be a back and forth affair with neither team surrendered a break point. The Bryan’s had two break opportunities but failed to capitalize on both as the opening frame headed into a tie-break.

Lindstedt & Kubot both ripped excellent winners during the breaker, a backhand volley from Lindstedt put them up 3-1, and a forehand return from Kubot gave them a commanding 5-2 as they would go on to take the set.

In the second set, even at 2-2, Lindstedt & Kubot blew a 40-0 lead before winning the deuce and garnering a key hold to go up 3-2. From there, the Polish/Swedish pair were able to break the Americans which allowed them to serve out the rest of the set, wrapping up the 7-6(3), 6-3 win.

The straight-set loss now drops the Bryans to the bottom of the Group A standings as the Americans need to make up some ground quickly. Lindstedt & Kubot, who were only 18-16 as a team this year, jump to the top of the Group A standings and are in good position to qualify for the semifinals.

The Bryans will take on Jean-Julien Rojer & Horia Tecau next, while Lindstedt & Kubot will battle with Alexander Peya & Bruno Soares in their next match. 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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