Bryans Win Fifth Monte-Carlo Crown
World No. 1 duo Bob and Mike Bryan captured their 106th tour-level team title on Sunday as they won the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters crown for the fifth time. The Americans defeated Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini 7-6(3), 6-1 in the final.
The Bryans edged a tight first set in a tie-break before running away with the match in the second set. They broke twice for a 4-0 lead before going on to break a third time in the seventh game and seal victory in 69 minutes. The Americans saved all four break points they faced and won 73 per cent of their service points.
“It feels good to start off the European clay court season with a win, especially in a place we love coming to and have played well in the past,” said Mike Bryan. “In today’s match, the first set could have gone either way, but we snuck out a few key points toward the end.
“It was fun to play against the Italians today. They’ve had a tremendous start to the season and we look forward to hopefully many more hard-fought battles this season.”
The Bryans have a 31-7 record at the Monte-Carlo Country Club and added to the titles they won in 2007, 2011-12 and 2014. They have contested the final for five years in a row, also finishing runners-up in 2013 (l. to Benneteau/Zimonjic).
“We’re happy to have another great week in beautiful Monte-Carlo,” said Bob Bryan. “It was cool that our friend, Prince Albert, could watch our last two matches. It’s been a pleasure to get to know him over the years and he always gives us great support.”
The 36-year-old Bryans have built momentum as the year has progressed. After a disappointing start at the Australian Open, where they were beaten in the third round, they won the Delray Beach (d. Klaasen/Paes) title and one month later triumphed at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament in Miami (d. Pospisil/Sock).
The Bryans have now won 34 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles and closed the gap on Bolelli and Fognini at the top of the Emirates ATP Doubles Team Rankings. They will return to action in two weeks’ time in Madrid.
Bolelli and Fognini currently lead the race to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals after triumphing at the Australian Open (d. Herbert/Mahut). The Italians were contesting their second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final of the season after also finishing runners-up in Indian Wells to Vasek Pospisil and Jack Sock.