Dutch Duo Surge To Umag Doubles Title

Robin Haase saw his quest for a sixth ATP World Tour singles final come to a close on Saturday in Umag. But, three hours later, the 31-year-old would not falter in his bid for the doubles title.

Teaming with countryman Matwe Middelkoop, the Dutch duo streaked to the crown at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag. They completed a perfect run to the title, not dropping a set all week to secure their third victory as a team this year.

“Obviously when you win a tournament, the feelings are always the best,” said Middelkoop. “It’s my first time here and I’ve heard stories that it’s really nice. I think that it’s overwhelming. Really nice hotel, many people coming. I couldn’t believe that it was packed on a Monday and Tuesday. Also, the area feels like a vacation, but professional at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds and a pleasure to come here. I’ll be back.”

Haase and Middelkoop ousted Czech tandem Jiri Vesely and Roman Jebavy 6-4, 6-4 in just 62 minutes. The second seeds are undefeated in ATP World Tour doubles finals in 2018, having also triumphed on the outdoor hard courts of Pune in January and indoor hard courts of Sofia a month later.

Haase, who fell in three sets to Guido Pella earlier in the day in the singles semi-finals, added a fifth individual doubles title. Middelkoop, meanwhile, is now a seven-time titlist.

“It was a great week, but I’m disappointed in today’s singles,” Haase added. “I played too passive. In the third set, it’s about who gets the first initiative. He did that and it’s the way it is. In the doubles, I wasn’t mentally ready to compete, but Matwe had the positive energy and we got into the match. It was a deserved victory. I’ve been sick all week, which was tiring for me, but it’s the way it is.”

The Dutchmen, who also defeated Jebavy and Vesely en route to the Pune title, split €27,170 in prize money and 250 ATP Doubles Rankings points. Moreover, they move into the Top 20 in the ATP Doubles Race To London.

Did You Know?
Middelkoop has competed in six ATP World Tour doubles finals with four different partners this year. He also finished runner-up with Andres Molteni in Budapest, with Roman Jebavy in Lyon and with Sander Arends in Antalya.