India’s N Sriram Balaji and Mexican partner Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela saw their Australian Open 2025 men’s doubles campaign come to an end after a tough three-set defeat in the second round at Melbourne Park. The pair fought hard but fell short against Portugal’s Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral in a closely contested encounter.
Strong fight after losing the opening set
The match began on an even note, with both teams holding serve comfortably through most of the opening set. Neither pair could create a decisive breakthrough, forcing the contest into a tie-break. Borges and Cabral held their composure in the crucial moments to edge the tie-break and take the first set 7-6(7).
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Balaji and Reyes-Varela responded positively in the second set. The Indo-Mexican duo improved their intensity, especially at the net, and managed to secure a crucial break of serve.
Acabó un enorme torneo para México
Miguel Reyes Varela y Sriram Balaji se despiden de Acapulco al caer en la semifinales por 7-6 y 6-3 ante Doumbia/Reboul#AMT2025 pic.twitter.com/iLoB3ygc6d
— Iván Aguilar (@ivabianconero) March 1, 2025
They protected the advantage well and claimed the set 6-4 to level the match and push it into a deciding third set.
Portuguese pair seal victory in decider
With a place in the next round at stake, the third set produced another intense battle. Borges and Cabral gained the upper hand with an early break and maintained control for most of the set. Balaji and Reyes-Varela tried to fight back but were unable to recover the deficit.
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The Portuguese duo continued to serve confidently and capitalised on key opportunities to keep their lead intact. A late break further strengthened their position before they eventually sealed the deciding set 6-3 and completed the victory.
Despite the defeat, Balaji and Reyes-Varela can take positives from their campaign, having entered the second round with a convincing opening-round win. Their run ended in Melbourne, while Borges and Cabral advanced further in the tournament with a hard-earned victory.
