Rohan Bopanna and Daniel Nestor win Apia International tennis tournament

IANS
Daniel Nestor and Rohan Bopanna celebrate their victory

Sydney, Jan 17 (IANS)

Third seeded Indo-Canadian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Daniel Nestor won the Apia International tennis tournament here Saturday, defeating the second seeded team of Dutchman Jean-Julien Rojer and Romanian Horia Tecau 6-4, 7-6 (5).

The match was closely fought as both teams found it difficult to their opponents' serve in the initial stages. But the Indo-Canadian pair was able to sneak ahead at the crucial juncture of the contest, breaking their opponents' fifth service game to claim the first set 6-4.

The second set proceedings were similar to the opening set with both teams holding onto their serves and it required a tie-break to determine the winner of the second set.

The Indo-Canadian pair edged the tie-break 7-5 to clinch the set and the contest in 85 minutes.

"We played a few tournaments at the end of last year to prepare for this year as well as we could and things didn't go as well, but I think right now we're clicking," said Nestor.

"I enjoy playing with Rohan, he's a big hitter, he serves great, and he's one of those guys who's really intimidating to play against so I'd rather be on the same side as him as opposed to playing against him.

We beat some pretty good teams here (in Sydney) so we're playing well. Hopefully we can carry it on to the Australian Open."