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Mirnyi & Nestor defuse Polish power


 

Originally published on: 30/11/11 16:41

Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor completed an undefeated run in London with a 7-5 6-3 victory over Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski to clinch the doubles crown at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. 

The victory, in an hour and 19 minutes, represents a first year-end title for the pair, but a second for Mirnyi and a fourth for Nestor, who defended the trophy he won alongside Nenad Zimonjic at the O2 Arena last year. 

Knowing they needed a good start, the Poles drew first blood after 11 minutes but the Canadian-Belarusian duo immediately cancelled out the break of Mirnyi’s serve by denting Fyrstenberg’s in the very next game. 

Proceedings remained on serve until the 12th game of the first set when, with the score at 5-6, Fyrstenberg was broken for a second time when he failed to dig back a crunching Mirnyi forehand return that cannoned down into his feet at 15-40. 

After claiming the first set in 48 minutes, Mirnyi and Nestor proved quicker about stamping their authority on the second, breaking the duo in the sixth game, this time on Matkowski’s serve.  

The powerful Poles did manage to strike more aces – seven to 3 from Mirnyi and Nestor – but threw in six double faults to just one from their more consistent opponents.

Fyrstenberg fought hard to remain in the game and held for 3-5 but the writing was on the wall for the pair as Nestor sealed victory with an overhead smash at the net.

The win represented their third career victory in as many meetings with the Polish power, and brought them the prestigious year-end title complete with subsequent cheque for $287,500 for being undefeated champions.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.