BNP Paribas Open: Isner, Sock edge Bryan brothers for men’s doubles title

Indian Wells, March 18: In an all-American final, Jack Sock and John Isner defeated No. 7 seeds Bob and Mike Bryan to win the men's doubles title at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.

It was the first time two American men's teams matched up for the doubles final on Saturday since 1981 when Bruce Manson and Brian Teacher beat Terry Moor and Eliot Teltscher, reports Xinhua news agency. 

The unseeded duo have not lost a set en route to their third career ATP World Tour final together and registered a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2) triumph over the veteran Bryan brothers, who have accumulated 114 wins, including two at Indian Wells, and 16 Grand Slams in their 23-year doubles career.

"It was super special today to be able to play another American team, but it was a little bit different, obviously," Sock said. 

"But anytime you get on the court and you're American playing in this tournament, the crowds are always insane and it always gives you extra energy out in the matches."

Both their previous finals came in China. Playing together for seven times in their careers, Isner and Sock had previously won at the Shanghai Masters 1000 event in 2016.

"Admittedly, both of us have not played singles that well this year," said Isner, smiling. "Doubles can oftentimes be a springboard to singles success."

"Playing some tough doubles matches and coming through in the clutch and getting that feeling sort of back again," he said.

The Bryan brothers have been ranked at No. 1 for 439 weeks throughout their career. They are currently No. 14.

Unlike in singles, where no American has won here since 2001, American players have consistently won the men's doubles.