Brazilian Duo Matos and Luz Reach Australian Open Quarterfinals
The Brazilian tennis pairing of Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz, who have been friends for many years, have made an impressive run at the Australian Open. Competing in their first Grand Slam tournament together after previously teaming up at Challenger and Future level events, they have now stormed into the men's doubles quarterfinals.
Victory Over Seeded Opponents
On Monday, the Brazilian duo secured their place in the last eight by defeating their second consecutive seeded opponents. They took down the tenth-seeded pair of India's Yuki Bhambri and Sweden's Andrew Goransson with a score of 7-6 (7), 6-3. This victory follows their earlier triumph over the fifth seeds, Germany's Tim Puetz and Kevin Krawietz, in the second round of the tournament.
Match Analysis and Key Moments
The match featured several dramatic moments that showcased the resilience of both teams. In the first set tie-break, Matos and Luz established a 6-3 lead before Bhambri and Goransson mounted a comeback, winning four consecutive points and fighting off three set points. However, the Brazilians ultimately claimed the set on their fourth set point when Goransson, possibly affected by the bright sun at Melbourne Park, hit an overhead shot into the net.
The tenth seeds started the second set strongly, breaking serve in the fifth game to take an early advantage. Yet Matos and Luz demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude, breaking back immediately in the sixth game and then winning four successive games to close out the match.
Post-Match Reflections
Following their victory, Orlando Luz highlighted the importance of their partnership and preparation. "We stayed mentally strong throughout the match," Luz said. "We were helped by the fact that we did the off-season training together, which has strengthened our understanding on court."
The 30-year-old Matos, currently ranked 43rd in doubles, and the 27-year-old Luz, ranked 59th, have shown excellent chemistry as they continue their remarkable run at Melbourne Park.
Junior Girls Doubles Update
In the junior girls doubles competition, Indian player Maaya Rajeswaran Revathi teamed up with Australian partner Renee Alame to defeat the alternate Japanese pairing of Azuna Ichioka and Ran Wakana 6-4, 6-2. Maaya and Alame will now face Alexandra Malova and Alisa Terentyeva in the round-of-16 on Tuesday.
