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For the second time in two days, Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at the Western & Southern Open. This time around, it earned the Argentine duo its maiden ATP Masters 1000 triumph.
Gonzalez and Molteni saved championship point to down Jamie Murray and Michael Venus 3-6, 6-1, 11-9 on Sunday in Cincinnnati for the biggest title of their careers. Having also saved two match points in their semi-final win against second seeds Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek, it capped an emotional weekend for the unseeded pair, which has now won a Tour-leading five titles in 2023.
“It means a lot. We have worked very hard for many years, not only this year, so it’s a great accomplishment,” said Molteni. “It was a very tough week, final, everything, so we are very happy with this title. It’s the biggest title we have, so we are very happy.”
Argentina all-stars 🇦🇷🏆
Gonzalez/Molteni save Championship point for a captivating 3-6 6-1 11-9 triumph over Murray/Venus@CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/SHZrQxxoE1
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 20, 2023
Gonzalez in particular thrived under pressure at the tailend of the 84-minute final. The 40-year-old sent down a second-serve ace when facing championship point at 8/9 in the Match Tie-break, and two points later he struck the decisive return off a Venus serve as the pair improved to 5-0 in tour-level finals for the year.
“They started better than us, but we always keep fighting,” said Gonzalez. “We know each other, we know we are a team that fights for every ball. We knew we would have a chance, and we took it in the second set. We are used to playing Match Tie-breaks, and we are really, really happy for this title.”
With their title run in Cincinnati, Gonzalez and Molteni have risen seven spots to third in the Pepperstone ATP Live Doubles Teams Rankings. The pair is now 32-14 in 2023, with their latest triumph a significant boost as both Gonzalez and Molteni chase a debut appearance at the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals.
“I think [it helps that] we can practise together in our home, Buenos Aires,” said Molteni. “We have a very good relationship. We are friends, so that is easier during the season, travelling all the weeks together. We have a good atmosphere between us. I think that’s the key for playing good on the court as well.”
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