Alejandro Galan wins Menorca Open

Alejandro Galan and his double’s partner, Juan Lebron, picked up their 7th title of the season on Sunday by winning the Menorca Open. The number one ranked pair defeated surprise package Ramiro Moyano y Xisco Gil, the 18th seeds, 6-4 4-6 6-2.

Galan and Lebron were seen as the overwhelming favorites against a pair who had overcome all odds to reach it this far - and knock out some big names along the way. And they put up a real fight in this final, going to three sets and giving the number one pair a fright.

Early break proves decisive

In the opening set, Galan and Lebron got their noses out in front early, breaking serve in the very first game. They looked to impose their energetic style on the match but Mayano and Gil kept apace, and even had an opportunity to break back, but failed to convert. In the end, Galan and Lebron took the first set 6-4, that early break proving crucial.

If anyone expected the pair to run away with it in the second set, they would be proven wrong. In an evenly matched set, it went on serve until the scoreboard read 4-4. Moyano and Gil took sniffed an opportunity to break, and did so at 5-4 and went on to seal the set 6-4.

Experience proves the key in the end

Experience told in the final set, with Ale and Juan upping the intensity of their game with some relentless returns and clever shots. They managed to break service twice in the first seven games, seeing out the set 6-2 and taking the title after failing to reach the final in their previous three tournaments. The win keeps them on track to end the year as the number one ranked pair in the world.