The Terre de Pyrenees Open in Pau witnessed a doubles masterclass as India’s N. Sriram Balaji teamed with Austria’s Neil Oberleitner to snag the ATP Challenger men’s doubles crown. Top seeds prevailed 6-1, 3-6, [13-11] against second seeds Jacob Paul and Matej Vosel in a 77-minute epic decided by super tie-break.
Explosive in set one, the duo’s net prowess and return aggression yielded multiple breaks for an easy 6-1. Set two swung wildly post 3-3, with the underdogs grabbing momentum to level the match.
The tie-break delivered edge-of-seat action: up 4-1, Balaji-Oberleitner weathered a storm that gifted foes a 10-9 match point. Resilience shone through as they saved it and pounced on chance three for glory.
Third Challenger title together this season—after Bangkok and Bahrain—this boosts Balaji to 16 career doubles Challenger wins. His Olympic appearance with Bopanna in 2024 underscores his elite standing.
Undefeated en route, semis saw them outgun de Bruin-Vrbensky 7-5, 7-6(1). With unstoppable chemistry, Balaji and Oberleitner eye further conquests, embodying peak doubles excellence.