News & Press

Saturday, March 22, 2008


Erlich & Ram Win Second ATP Masters


Stanford ATP Doubles Race leaders Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram, the No. 4 seeds, defeated No. 3 seeds Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic 6-4, 6-4 in Friday’s doubles final to clinch their 12th title as a duo.

It is their team’s second ATP Masters Series title, having won their first last August in Cincinnati.

"It feels great to have won our second Masters Series title," said Erlich. "This title is as important as our first one."

Erlich and Ram, runners-up last year in Indian Wells, broke their opponents once in each set and saved six break point chances faced to win the final in one hour and 21 minutes. They did not drop a set en route to the title.

Ram said: "We are extremely happy with this title here in Indian Wells. This year we won our first Grand Slam title and we have been playing with lots of confidence. The conditions in the United States suit our games, it's hot and we like to play on the hard courts."

The Israelis improve to a 17-3 season record, and have won 14 of the last 15 matches since capturing their first Grand Slam crown together at the Australian Open in January.

"Right now we are not thinking about winning titles," said Erlich. "We just focus on giving 100%, day by day, match by match and play with our hearts.

"Obviously we will go out there and try to win every Masters Series and Grand Slam as possible. We will keep fighting and giving our hearts out there as we have been doing. We are in the top of the Race right now and we are happy about that."

Nestor and Zimonjic were playing in their first ATP final of the season, and fall to a 2-3 team record in title matches. They improve to a 10-6 season record with their effort in Indian Wells.

Coming into the final, Nestor had won 14 of his last 15 matches in Indian Wells with titles in 2005 and '06 (w/Knowles). He also won the title in 1997 and 2002.
(source)

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