Indian tennis star Leander Paes and partner Zimbabwean Cara Black have won the mixed doubles title at the US Open.

The couple beat Britain’s Jamie Murray and his American partner Liezel Huber. Paes served out for the title as the match was won in one hour 20 minutes

Black and Huber appear in the final of the women’s doubles when they take on American Lisa Raymond and Australian Sam Stosur.

This is the second US Open and fourth Grand Slam mixed doubles title for Paes.

He won two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles with Martina Navratilova and another with Lisa Raymond, but this is the first time he partnered Cara Black. The Indian tennis star said he woke up with a purpose and was happy to get his hand to the title, after missing it twice in the past.

“You know, it was in the back of my mind that I hadn’t won this one.

“I’ve been in two finals here. I was match point up in one of them with Lisa Raymond many years ago, and today I woke up this morning with a purpose.

“The trick in doubles is to find a good partner,” Paes said and added: “I let Cara do all the work and just sat back and enjoyed it.”

The critical point was lost when Black – the outstanding player on the day – brilliantly anticipated a Murray volley and put away her own volley for a winner.

Cara Black said: “It was tough for me to play against Liezel, but Leander was so good with me.

“He calmed me a lot and said he had my back at all times. All thanks to Leander. He pulled me through,”

No related posts.