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By Erik Gudris/Friday, January 24, 2014

 

Though finding themselves down 2-5 in the final set, Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci went on to defend their Australian Open doubles title.

Photo Credit: Corleve

Reigning co-World No. 1's Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci pulled off a come from behind victory to defend their Australian Open women's doubles title.

It was not easy though as their opponents, the all-Russian team of No. 3 seeds Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina, pushed the Italians to the brink of defeat. With Makarova and Vesnina having won their last two encounters against Errani and Vinci, a tough battle was expected in the finals.

Errani and Vinci took the first set and looked well on their way to the win. But the Russian team secured an early break of serve in the second set and went on to take it 6-3 Makarova and Vesnina kept the pressure on and soon found themselves up 5-2 in the final set.

But the Russians could not serve out the match on two opportunities as the Italians, especially Errani, began to raise their level of play.

Soon, the Italians were in control and leveled things at 5-all. Vinci, with a forehand down the line winner, sealed the comeback 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 victory.

“I don't know. Was very strange, very difficult. We went from two-love up in the third, 5-2, playing not very good,” Errani said about the match. “From there we start, I don't know, just keep it going."

This is now the Italian team's fourth Grand Slam title and 17th overall together including having won the French Open and US Open in 2012. The victory also allows Errani and Vinci to keep their co-No. 1 doubles ranking.

 

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