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Script refuses to change for Paes and Dlouhy
It's a record that's sitting uncomfortably on the shoulders of former Grand Slam champions. Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy have won the French Open and US Open, but, together, have been unable to crack the code at the season-ending Tour finals.
It's a record that's sitting uncomfortably on the shoulders of former Grand Slam champions. Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy have won the French Open and US Open, but, together, have been unable to crack the code at the season-ending Tour finals.
Through Shanghai and London, over three editions and eight matches, the duo is still looking for that first win. And it was another trying day on the court against seventh seeds Jurgen Melzer and Philipp Petzschner.
After an 8-4 lead in the match tie-break, Paes-Dlouhy lost six points in a row to go down 7-6 (9), 4-6, 10-8 in their second Group A match.
"It was a very frustrating match," admitted Paes. "We didn't start off great, but came back in the second set. Again in the match tie-break we were ahead but couldn't capitalise. I think we gave away too many free points.
"We are definitely a better team than a 0-8 record at this event.
Something happens when we play this event, the chips just don't fall into place."
The pair had eight double faults between them and seemed to be at the wrong end of the crucial points.
The desperation showed at one point as Paes, unable to get into position, threw the racquet at the ball. Only the racquet crossed over the net.
With two losses in two games, the third seeds will make another early exit from the tournament.
They only have a match against the Bryan brothers, Mike and Bob, to go. And Paes-Dlouhy will be looking to win that match before parting ways in the New Year.
