This is the second team title for Dodig and Pavić after winning in Hamburg last year.
Croatian Davis Cup representatives Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavić have claimed the doubles title at the Chengdu Open! The second joint title of the pair was secured after winning in the final against American Austin Krajicek and Indian Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan 6:2, 6:4 in an hour and two minutes of play, reports HRT on September 30, 2018.
Though the Croatian duo and top-seeded team of the tournament lost the opening game of the match, they won five consecutive games in the first set and broke their rivals in the third and the fifth game at 4:1.
The second set was more uncertain, and Krajicek and Nedunchezhiyan threatened Dodig and Pavić at 0:40, though they blew four break points. Dodig and Pavić came back to equalize at 2:2, and then at 3:3 and gained back their advantage to ultimately win the Chengdu title!
This was the fourth joint appearance in the final of an ATP tournament for Dodig and Pavić. Last year, the duo won the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg, while in 2012 and 2013 they lost in the final in Zagreb. This was already the 30th final for Pavić and the ninth of this season, while it was Dodig’s 25th ATP final in doubles, and his third final of 2018. Pavić has thus won his 13th title, while Dodig has claimed his 11th title.
