By Erik Gudris / November 11, 2013

 

David Marrero and Fernando Verdasco fought past the experience of Bob and Mike Bryan to win the ATP
World Tour Finals doubles title.

Photo Credit: Kieran Galvin / CameraSport

Power prevailed over experience as Spain's David Marrero and Fernando Verdasco capped off a stellar week in London by winning the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals doubles title.

Despite having only won only one title en route to qualifying for the season-ending event, Marrero and Verdasco proved themselves to be the best team all week. In contrast, top seeds Bob and Mike Bryan battled their way through several close matches to reach Monday's finals.

Both teams stayed in touch with each other throughout the early games of the opening set. But it was the Bryans who seized the first real opportunity when they held 0-40, 5-4 on Verdasco's serve. The Spaniards answered by fighting off all three set points to level the set at 5-all. 

In the next game, an amped-up Verdasco unloaded on a 117 mph forehand, which proved to be a potent weapon all match. Marrero and Verdasco used their powerful groundstrokes to eventually take the set 7-5.

Trying to match the Spaniards' power, the Bryans struck back with their own experience and clever net play. Though they missed an earlier set point chance, the Bryans eventually took things into a tiebreak.

Seizing control early, the Bryans took the set 7-6(3) and forced an ultimate match tiebreak to decide the title.

Verdasco got his team to an early 2-0 lead thanks to yet another massive forehand. The Bryans would counter the Spaniards' big hitting by placing their volleys short into the court. But it was the pace from both Marrero and Verdasco that allowed them to build an 8-5 lead.

Serving for the title, Verdasco lined up a perfect inside out forehand pass winner to set up match point. A final big serve from Verdasco soon sealed his team's 7-5, 6-7(3), 10-7 victory.

During the trophy ceremony, an emotional Marrero broke down in tears as he tried to dedicate the title to his grandfather who passed away two years ago to the day.

Despite the loss, the Bryans themselves can look back on 2013 as one of their best seasons in their historic career. The brothers finished the season at No. 1 and won three majors (Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon) among their 11 titles this year.