Ivan Dodig, Marcelo Melo spring upset of Bryan brothers to win French Open

June 7, 2015 at 12:39AM

PARIS – Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo won their first Grand Slam title by edging two-time champions Bob and Mike Bryan 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the French Open doubles final Saturday.

Melo clipped a superb lob over the head of the top-seeded Bryans, and the Brazilian hit the winner with a neat volley to the side to prompt wild celebrations with Dodig.

"It's a great moment for both of us to win our first title, to beat the best team in the world and the best in history," Dodig said.

"Our main goal this season was to win a Slam. But I have to be honest, I didn't think it would happen here, as it's not our best surface. Suddenly, we have the trophy."

It was their eighth match against the Bryans, a rivalry that started in 2012, and their third win. The Bryans denied them in the finals at 2013 Wimbledon and 2014 ATP Finals.

"I have been playing doubles [with Dodig] a long time and I told him we can do great things," Melo said. "Now we are more than good friends, and we've won a Grand Slam title together."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

about the writer

about the writer

More from Sports

card image

The No. Gophers had a nine-game winning streak snapped last Saturday at Bemidji State and and will look to bounce back against a struggling Notre Dame team.