Rublev/Karatsev Win Doha Doubles Title
Aslan Karatsev and Andrey Rublev have made waves on the singles court in recent months. But on Friday evening in Doha, they claimed a doubles title together.
The Russian ATP Cup teammates defeated in-form doubles pair Marcus Daniell and Philipp Oswald 7-5, 6-4 to win the Qatar ExxonMobil Open after one hour and 21 minutes.
"It's only my second [doubles] title, so it's a great feeling," Rublev said. "We'll see how I'm going to do in Dubai. Now I'm focussed on next week and I hope I can show good tennis there."
Karatsev and Rublev had never played a tournament together before this ATP 250. They competed as a duo in one match at the ATP Cup, losing in straight sets. The unseeded pair had no such difficulties this week, surging to the title without dropping a set.
"It feels great. It's my first ATP title, so it's an unbelievable feeling," Karatsev said. "It's great to play with Andrey Rublev."
The Russians, who also defeated fourth seeds Marcelo Melo and Jean-Julien Rojer en route to the trophy, saved four of the five break points they faced in the final. Rublev and Karatsev will each depart Doha with 250 FedEx ATP Doubles Rankings points and a share of $38,470.
Daniell and Oswald did not win the title, but they enjoyed a tremendous run at this ATP 250, where they beat reigning Australian Open champions Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek as well as top seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah. Last year’s Sardinia champions add 150 points to their tally and they will split $27,550.