Mahesh Bhupathi and
Sania Mirza became the first Indian pair to win a Grand Slam mixed doubles title on Sunday when they crushed Andy Ram of Israel and Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy 6-3, 6-1.
For Mahesh, Sunday's victory was his 11th Grand Slam title while Sania celebrated her first success at this level.
The unseeded Mahesh and Sania, who were granted a wildcard to the Open, started well against Ram and Dechy, breaking Dechy early in the first set. Ram and Dechy broke back but the Indians attacked Dechy's serve later in the set and broke again to take the first set in 28 minutes.
It took two minutes less to wrap up the second set and with it the match as they outplayed their opponents with some perfect doubles.
"We wanted to stay out there and make it longer but they were just too good for us," Ram admitted.
Mahesh had a mixed weekend after he lost the men's doubles final with Mark Knowles on Saturday.
"My coach, trainer and obviously Sania were trying to keep me as positive as possible," said Mahesh, who lost only point in four service games.
"But going home without a title after making two finals just crossed my mind a few too many times in the match. It didn't happen, so I'm happy at that."
Sania, who wasn't bothered by a recent wrist problem during the tournament, also felt pretty good.
Posted by Joseph DeSilva | Views 1162 | Share Blog
