Henri Kontinen and John Peers survived a stern test as they beat Bob and Mike Bryan 7-6(2) 6-4 to reach their maiden ATP World Tour Finals final.
Kontinen and Peers looked sharp from the start of the match as they had a break opportunity on their first return game, however the Bryan Brothers were resistant and held serve. Both teams looked comfortable and effective on serve and tried to establish dominance in the match. The Bryan brothers tried to give the fifth seeds something different, however it wasn’t working as Kontinen and Peers were holding with ease. Both teams remained determined on serve and the Bryan’s continued to fend off break points, as a result the first set went to a tiebreak. The tiebreak saw John Peers used his powerful returning, to dominate the tiebreak and grab momentum for his team. As a result the Bryan brothers couldn’t cope and lost the tiebreak 7-2.
The Finnish-Australian pair continued their momentum in the second set as they broke in the third game to grab a 2-1 lead. They continued their aggressive style of play as they broke again for a 4-1 and a double break advantage. However the most in-form team of the tournament showed a lack of concentration, which allowed the Bryan Brothers to break for the first time in the match to cut the lead to just a break. However it wasn’t enough and after 1 hour and 15 minutes, John Peers served out that match to seal a historic win for the team.
Analysis
Henri Kontinen and John Peers deserve to reach their first ATP World Tour Finals final. They played with tenacity and aggression to reap their rewards. John Peers’ return was they key as it caused the Bryan’s a lot of problems, especially at the net. It allowed the pair to dictate play and finish the points earlier. Kontinen used his big serve and incredible volleying skills to outmaneuver their American opponents, and as a result thoroughly deserve their win. The win means Henri Kontinen becomes the first player to come from Finland to reach the final at the season finale, while John Peers becomes the first Aussie since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde won the title in 1996. While for the Bryan brothers they just couldn’t handle the aggressive play of Kontinen and Peers. They will hope to respond in fine fashion next season. The American twins were hoping to make their seventh final here and win their fifth title, however it wasn’t to be for the twins.
Henri Kontinen and John Peers will either play Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares or Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram. That semifinal will take place at 6pm local time.
