Leander: the only Indian standing tall in Australia

What were the odds that the Bryan brothers’ 23-match winning streak will be interrupted by a pair that was defeated by the American twins in a tuning event earlier in the month, that the Bryans will be defeated in two straight sets by a pair that was teaming up only for the fourth time?

The 38-year old tennis player’s victory is a stark contrast to  the Indian cricket team’s embarrassing 0-4 test series defeat to the Australians, despite its ace players in the squad.

Paes ended his seven-year wait for the career grand slam with the Australian Open men’s doubles title.

Paes partnered with 33-year old Czech Radek Stepanek to defeat the defending champions Bob and Mike Bryan  7-6 (7-1), 6-2 and win his seventh grand slam title. The winning pair is now richer by  $454,500.

Paes ruined the 33-year old Bryan brothers’ chances of emulating the 11 major titles’ record of the Australian duo – Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge, also known as the Woodies.

It was only last year that the Bryan brothers had defeated Paes, and his partner Mahesh Bhupathi, in the Australian Open final.

Paes has won won three French Opens, two US Opens and a Wimbledon Open in men’s doubles, and six grand slams in mixed doubles.

 

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