Baker/Mektic Score Maiden Doubles Titles In Memphis
Brian Baker and Nikola Mektic picked up their first ATP World Tour titles on Sunday at the Memphis Open, defeating Americans Ryan Harrison and Steve Johnson 6-3, 6-4.
“You’re going to be super pumped anytime you can win an ATP title, but to win one so close to home is really special,” said Baker. “Nikola and I have had instant chemistry so far, so hopefully we can keep it going.”
The American-Croatian duo scored an immediate break of serve in their opening return game and rode that momentum to the opening set. Harrison/Johnson fought valiantly from 1-3 down in the second set to even the score at 3-3, but Baker/Mektic secured another break at 4-4 and converted on their first match point to prevail in 61 minutes.
Baker and Mektic didn’t drop a set in clinching the title this week. Both players excelled in doubles last year on the ATP Challenger Tour, with Baker winning five titles on U.S. soil and Mektic winning four tournaments in Europe. They pick up 250 Emirates ATP Doubles Rankings points and split $34,810.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Mektic. “It’s a special feeling to win it with Brian because we really enjoy being play each other.”
Harrison, who took the singles title earlier in the day over Nikoloz Basilashvili, was looking for his first ATP World Tour doubles title since Atlanta in July 2012 (w/Ebden). Johnson was seeking his second doubles crown, having prevailed last May in Geneva (w/Ram). He’s now 0-2 in Memphis doubles finals, having also finished runner-up last year with Sam Querrey. They earn 150 Emirates ATP Doubles Rankings points and split $18,300.
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