Paris, May 31 (UNI) India’s Rohan Bopanna and Czech partner Adam Pavlasek showcased resilience and tactical prowess to edge past France’s Fabien Reboul and Sadio Doumbia 6-2, 7-6(5) in a gripping second-round men’s doubles encounter at the French Open on Court 14.
The Indo-Czech duo dominated the opening set, leveraging their powerful serves and strategic net play to secure a 6-2 lead. Bopanna’s experience and Pavlasek’s agility were evident as they broke the French pair’s serve twice, capitalising on early opportunities.
However, the Frenchmen, buoyed by the home crowd, mounted a formidable comeback in the second set. Doumbia and Reboul tightened their service games and applied pressure on returns, leading to a closely contested set that culminated in a tiebreak.
Despite the momentum shift, Bopanna and Pavlasek maintained composure, clinching the tiebreak 7-5 and sealing the match in straight sets.
Statistically, the match was evenly poised. Bopanna and Pavlasek recorded 8 aces to the French duo’s 5 and had a slightly higher first-serve win percentage at 72% compared to 68%.
Both teams converted three break points, but the Indo-Czech pair’s ability to win crucial points, especially in the tiebreak, made the difference.
This victory marks a significant step for Bopanna and Pavlasek as they advance to the third round, continuing their quest for a maiden Grand Slam title together.
