Wheelchair tennis: Fernandez and Reid edge thrilling doubles final
Gustavo Fernandez and Gordon Reid claimed the second edition of the Rolex Paris Masters wheelchair doubles tournament on Saturday afternoon.
Having enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the singles semi-finals earlier in the day, Gustavo Fernandez, Gordon Reid, Martin De La Puente and Tom Egberink returned to court 2 to contest the first trophy of the 2026 tournament.
And fittingly, the opening final of the week delivered all the drama it could possibly contain, requiring a match tie-break to separate four players who left everything on the court.
Defending champion Martin De La Puente and his Dutch partner made the stronger start, controlling the opening exchanges to take the first set 6-2.
But their opponents, both fresh from outstanding performances earlier in the day, gradually raised their level. More effective when taking the initiative and increasingly dominant in the longer rallies, Fernandez and Reid found the answers required to level the match.
With so little separating the four players in the rankings and on court, it always felt as though this final would go the distance.
In the match tie-break, Fernandez and Reid created daylight thanks to a succession of thunderous forehands and emphatic overhead winners. Yet, De La Puente and Egberink refused to surrender, saving three match points after trailing 9-6.
Their comeback effort ultimately fell just short. On a final winning lob, "Guga" and "Gordy" sealed a memorable 4-6, 6-2, 11-9 victory after 1 hour and 18 minutes before celebrating their title together.
"It was a tough match, but once we found the right rhythm and increased our intensity, we started to control more of the play," said the Argentine champion.
"That rise in our level made the difference in my opinion. It stayed very close right until the end, but it was a really enjoyable match to play. It's always special to win a title. These victories are important, especially with next week's Finals just around the corner."
On Sunday, from 12pm, Fernandez will have the opportunity to complete a remarkable double when he returns to court for the singles final.
The challenge, however, could hardly be greater. Standing in his way will be defending champion and world No.2 Alfie Hewett.