Jonathan Erlich wins doubles title in Newport

Jonathan Erlich claimed his 20th career tennis title on Saturday night, winning the doubles competition at the Hall of Fame Championships in Newport.

Teaming up with New Zealand’s Artem Sitak, the pair needed just 53 minutes to beat the fourth seeds, Marcelo Arevalo and Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela 6-1 6-2.

His 20th title, his first was also in Newport in 2000 when he was playing alongside compatriot Harel Levy, the pair, who were playing together for the first time this year having previously teamed up at the 2015 US Open – where they lost in the first round – only dropped one set all week.

Erlich, for whom this was his 11th win on grass, said: “I can’t believe it was 18 years ago, I’m proud of myself that I’m still going and I played great this week. I have great chemistry with Artem and great energy together. I’m glad we connected quickly here and from the first match we played solid together. We helped each other to play the best. That’s why I have a young guy like him.”

The winning duo will split the $30,190 (£23,000) prize money and earn 250 ATP Doubles Rankings points.