It might be one of the biggest Rocky Balboa underdog tennis stories of the century. Two 36 year old doubles journeymen almost made the finals of a Masters 1000 final … as last minute alternates.
Fernando Romboli of Brazil and JP Smith of Australia fell into the main draw at the last minute, won four matches in match tiebreaks and actually almost won a fifth today in the semis vs Sebastian Korda and Jordan Thompson, leading 3-0 and 8-7 before Korda blasted two forehand winners and then launched a big serve that Smith returned long. Korda and Thommo prevailed 36 63 10-8.
Romboli and Smith had never played together before this tournament and the half million champion’s prize money would have been very welcome to the hodge podge pair, as well as the points and confidence surge. But semis of a 1000 is a fabulous debut as a team and with more experience together, perhaps they can blossom into a formidable duo.
Right-hander Romboli and lefty Smith will split $129,970 for making semis. If they won today they would have earned $242,020 for making the final. The champions will take home $457,150.
Before this week, Romboli, ranked 82 now (his career best in doubles), had earned a total of about $497,000 in his 20 year career. He’s won one title.
Smith is ranked 85 now and has earned $1.87m since turning pro in 2012. He’s also won one title.
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