Marcelo Melo and John Peers captured their first title together on Sunday when they triumphed at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle.
The Brazilian-Australian tandem moved past Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6(3), 3-6, 10-6 to clinch the crown at the ATP 500 grass-court event.
“It was a tough week,” reflected Peers. “I think we won all our matches except one in a Match Tie-break, and the one we didn’t was two tie-breaks. So for us to get through such tight matches was a great effort from us as a team and I think hopefully it leaves us in good stead going forward. I know we had a great lot of fun here, the weather was fantastic and the atmosphere was great.”
Melo and Peers remained patient throughout the one-hour, 35-minute final. They failed to convert any of their six break point opportunities but found their best level in two tie-breaks.
Melo, 39, has now won the doubles title in Halle three times, also triumphing in 2017-18. It is Peers’ first tour-level crown since he tasted success in Sydney in 2022. The Australian has won an ATP Tour trophy for 11 consecutive years.
“I think the tournament is very nice,” said Melo, when asked about his 15-1 record in Halle. “You have the courts by the hotel, the courts are good as well, as are the stadium and the people here. It makes us feel comfortable and at home, and when you feel comfortable and at home you play your best tennis.”
Did You Know?
Melo (37) and Peers (27) have won 64 tour-level doubles titles between them.
© Copyright 1994 - 2024 ATP Tour, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc.. Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Modern Slavery Statement | Feedback | Cookies
