The Hindu : Sport : Paes loses in men’s doubles

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Paes loses in men’s doubles

— PHOTO: AP

LOSERS AND WINNERS: Lukas Dlouhy (left) and Leander Paes, who finished runners-up, with the winners of the U.S. Open men’s doubles final, Bob Bryan and his brother Mike.

New York: Double whammy eluded Indian ace Leander Paes as he failed to add to his mixed doubles title, going down fighting along with his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy against Bob and Mike Byran of United States in a thrilling U.S. Open doubles final here on Friday.

Seventh seeded Paes and Dlouhy lost 6-7(5), 6-7(10) in one hour and 29 minutes which put paid to the Indian’s hopes of second title in the season’s last Grand Slam after winning the mixed doubles title, partnering Cara Black of Zimbabwe.

Paes and Dlouhy had to be content with $120,000 while their opponents were richer by $420,000 for their effort at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The 35-year-old Indian, who had notched up his eighth Grand Slam title yesterday, was as usual lightning fast in front of the net and came up with some stunning winners but failed to match the consistency of the Byran brothers.

The Americans were the better side in the first set winning their serves easier than their opponents and at the same time having better returns.

“This ranks as one of our top achievements, especially playing against those guys,” Mike said after the 30-year-old brothers had clinched their sixth Grand Slam crown together.

They have also triumphed at Wimbledon, Roland Garros and own a pair of Australian Open trophies.

“The level of tennis and the crowd was spectacular. It felt like a Davis Cup crowd out there.” — Agencies

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