The doubles draw delivered high-octane drama today, headlined by the stunning elimination of the fourth seeds and two matches decided by the narrowest of margins in Match Tie-breaks.
The Big Upset
The highlight of the session was an incredible performance by Marc Polmans (AUS) and Ryan Seggerman (USA). They dismantled the No. 4 seeded duo of Austin Krajicek (USA) and Nikola Mektic (CRO) in straight sets, winning 6-3, 6-4. The duo needed just over an hour to dismantle the veteran pair, marking the biggest shock of the doubles tournament so far.
Seeds and Veterans Advance
- The No. 2 Seeds Roll On: Luke Johnson (GBR) and Jan Zielinski (POL) lived up to their ranking, defeating the alternate pair of Charles Barry and Andres Martin 7-6(2), 6-2. After a tight first set, the favorites dominated the second to secure their spot in the Quarterfinals.
- Barrientos & Kittay Steady: The Colombian-American pairing of Nicolas Barrientos and Benjamin Kittay halted the run of wildcards George Goldhoff and Spencer Papa with a solid 7-5, 6-3 victory.
Match Tie-break Drama
Two matches required a 10-point Match Tie-break to decide the winner:
- Romboli/Smith Edge the No. 3 Seeds: In a seesaw battle, Fernando Romboli (BRA) and John-Patrick Smith (AUS) stunned the No. 3 seeds, Theo Arribage and Albano Olivetti, taking the tie-break 10-8 after splitting the first two sets.
- Cash/Tracy Outlast Ho/Willis: The American pair of Robert Cash and JJ Tracy showed great composure to defeat Ray Ho and Marcus Willis, winning their tie-break 10-7 to advance.
Scores:
- [2] Luke Johnson (GBR) / Jan Zielinski (POL) defeated [Alt] Charles Barry (IRL) / Andres Martin (USA) | 7-6(2), 6-2
- Fernando Romboli (BRA) / John-Patrick Smith (AUS) defeated [3] Theo Arribage (FRA) / Albano Olivetti (FRA) | 6-3, 4-6, 10-8
- Marc Polmans (AUS) / Ryan Seggerman (USA) defeated [4] Austin Krajicek (USA) / Nikola Mektic (CRO) | 6-3, 6-4
- Nicolas Barrientos (COL) / Benjamin Kittay (USA) defeated [WC] George Goldhoff (USA) / Spencer Papa (USA) | 7-5, 6-3
- Robert Cash (USA) / JJ Tracy (USA) defeated Ray Ho (TPE) / Marcus Willis (GBR) | 6-4, 4-6, 10-7
