Home favourites Andres Molteni and Horacio Zeballos stunned two-time defending champions Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah 6-3, 5-7, 10/3 to win the Argentina Open on Sunday.
Molteni and Zeballos became the first home team to win the title since 2010, where Zeballos triumphed alongside Sebastian Prieto. Cabal and Farah were bidding to win the title for a third consecutive year. The Argentines won 78 per cent of points on serve and dominated the decisive Match Tie-break to clinch their second title in their second tournament as a pairing, after winning the BB&T Atlanta Open on their team debut in 2016.
"It is special to play here," said Zeballos. "It's something unique, with all those who are supporting us and it is always a joy to raise a trophy. All my family and my friends are in the crowd and I am very happy to win at my club."
Molteni and Zeballos, who now hold an 8-0 record together, converted their third championship point to capture the title in front of a delighted home crowd. The duo will receive 250 ATP Doubles Rankings points and will split $30,790 in prize money. Cabal and Farah will receive 150 ATP Ranking points and share the runner-up $16,190 prize money.
"Hopefully we'll continue the streak and continue playing together as much as possible," said Molteni, who will soon return to partner with Guillermo Duran while Zeballos will do so with Pablo Cuevas.
Did You Know?
Molteni and Zeballos have never lost a doubles match as a team. Their only previous tournament together also ended in success, winning the 2016 BB&T Atlanta Open (d.Brunstrom/Siljestrom).