Given that no Brit made it beyond the 2nd round of the singles at the US Open– Jamie Murray provided some relief. He joined forces with the courageous American Bethanie Mattek-Sands. They gelled well together again, securing victory over Croatian/Polish pairing of Nikola Mektic and Alicja Rosolska: 2-6, 6-3, 11-9. Their opponents incidentally also played their first tournament together. This is Murray’s 6th Slam doubles title and Mattek-Sands’ 8th. However, for Mattek-Sands this is bound to be her most memorable.
Ryder Cup Rivalry on Hold
The fierce European v USA Ryder Cup golf rivalry is put on hold for a few hours. Americans, Brits and neutrals most join together to celebrate for Murray and Mattek-Sands. Their on-court positioning and movement looked slicker than their opponents’ as the game wore on.
Nikola Mektic and Alicja Rosolska looked composed and comfortable taking the first set with ease. Mattek-Sands’ positive energy came into play as the match went into a decider. Having squandered a 9-6 lead that became 9-9- you thought Mattek-Sands/Murray’s chance had gone, but they dug in well.
Mattek-Sands in first Doubles Final Since Horrific 2017 Wimbledon Injury
It’s still a gruelling image in the minds of many – Bethanie Mattek-Sands writhing around on the grass floor of Wimbledon in 2017. Not many would have expected to see her back on court ever, let alone contesting a final around 14 months later. Mattek-Sands doubles ranking sits at #83 currently due to her absence, but that will come down. She went out in the second round of the ladies doubles with partner Safarova this time.
Mattek-Sands Could be Back in Fed Cup Radar
US Fed Cup Team captain will be one eager spectator. She has never hidden her admiration for Mattek-Sands, and ensured she felt part of the team even when injured. However, she must be thinking of a more active role for Mattek-Sands when the USA defend their title against the Czech Republic, in November.
Mattek-Sands & Murray Delighted & Entertained
In a tense and enthralling semifinal against Americans Christian Harrison and Christina McHale- Murray and Mattek-Sands displayed chemistry and faith in each other. Break point opportunities where easier to come by than an Instagram picture of Bouchard. Yet it was the American pairing who looked more tense. This helped the USA/British partnership edge out a closely fought match. This experience helped them in the final also, as this followed a similar pattern.
Four of the eight matches involving the mixed doubles finalists have gone into an exciting third set tie-break. Therefore, it was no surprise that this one went the distance. Murray/Mattek-Sands pairing could be a feature in mixed doubles next season.
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