Nys/Zielinski Clinch Rome Crown

Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski captured their first ATP Masters 1000 title as a team on Sunday when they defeated Dutchman Robin Haase and Botic van de Zandschulp 7-5, 6-1 at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia.

The Monegasque-Polish tandem were dominant all week on the clay in Rome, not dropping a set en route to their second tour-level trophy together.

In an entertaining final, Nys and Zielinski were strong on serve, winning 91 per cent (30/33) of points behind their first delivery. They also did not face a break point and converted three of theirs to triumph after 66 minutes.

“It is super special,” Zielinski said. “It is the first time for Hugo and I playing at the Foro Italico and it is a magical event and magical venue. We have trained without playing here for so many years, and now we are here playing for the first time. We tried to enjoy it from the first match and here we are as winners. I can’t really put into words what it means to us.”

With their victory, Nys and Zielinski have climbed seven spots to first in the Pepperstone ATP Live Doubles Teams Rankings. Earlier this season, they reached the final at the Australian Open together.

“I feel great. I am very proud, representing this federation who have been helping me for so many years,” said Nys, who is the first Monegasque player to win an ATP Masters 1000 title. “I am just so happy.”

Haase and van de Zandschulp were teaming for the first time this season in the Italian capital. They defeated seeds Santiago Gonzalez/Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Wesley Koolhof/Neal Skupski en route to the title match.