Pospisil & Sock win Wimbledon men’s doubles title

On a day of ups and downs for Canadian tennis at Wimbledon, Vernon, BC-born Vasek Pospisil and his American partner Jack Sock provided the highest of highs winning the men’s doubles title at the All England Club.

Pospisil and Sock beat the top ranked duo of Bob and Mike Bryan in five sets 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-5, 3-6, 7-5. The 24-year old Canadian and his 21-year old partner were unseeded entering the tournament, both winning their first career title.

The new doubles champions were fearless throughout the match, competing with the vastly experienced Bryan brothers on every shot. The Bryans have 98-career doubles titles.

Though many have called this an unlikely triumph, Pospisil and Sock also beat the second-seeded team of Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares (quarterfinals) and Leander Paes/Radek Stepanek (semifinals) on their way to the title, making it a convincing tournament for the young players. Altogether they beat four seeded teams en route to their Centre Court success.

Pospisil lifting his doubles trophy salvaged a heartbreaking day for Canadian tennis with its raised national expectations. Eugenie Bouchard was a runner-up in the ladies’ singles final, and Daniel Nestor with French partner Kristina Mladenovic (the defending champions) were ousted in the semifinals at Wimbledon. A day earlier Milos Raonic exited in the final four stage of the men’s singles tournament.

Feature photo: Getty via Tennis Canada