Nicolas Barrientos and Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli achieved a significant milestone by winning their maiden team title at the Movistar Chile Open in Santiago.
The Colombian-Indian duo delivered an impressive performance, defeating top seeds Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in the ATP 250 final.
This victory marks a remarkable achievement for Barrientos and Bollipalli, who only began their partnership last month in Dallas. With their triumph in Santiago, they have now improved their season record to 5-2, establishing themselves as a formidable team on the ATP circuit.
For Barrientos, this victory is particularly special, as it is only the second ATP Tour title of his career. The 37-year-old expressed his excitement, saying that while Santiago is not his home country, he feels at home in South America.
He also highlighted the importance of this win, stating that lifting the trophy is a sign that their partnership is heading in the right direction.
The duo displayed exceptional form throughout the tournament, showcasing their chemistry and tactical awareness on the court. In the semi-finals, they secured a crucial win against third seeds Guido Andreozzi and Theo Arribage, who recently won the title in Buenos Aires.
Their dominance continued in the final, where they delivered a commanding performance. According to Infosys ATP Stats, Barrientos and Bollipalli won an impressive 87 per cent of their first-serve points and did not face a single break point.
Their clinical execution led to a swift 63-minute victory, securing their first team title.
This win in Santiago provides a confidence boost for the pair as they look ahead to the rest of the season. Their strong start suggests they have the potential to compete at the highest level and challenge more established teams in upcoming tournaments.
Barrientos and Bollipalli’s success is also a significant moment for Indian tennis, as Bollipalli continues to make his mark on the ATP circuit. With this title, he joins a growing list of Indian players excelling in doubles competitions on the international stage.