6 months ago
30
Britain's Neal Skupski and American partner Desirae Krawczyk missed out on a first French Open mixed doubles titles as they were beaten in straight sets by Laura Siegemund and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.
German Siegemund and Frenchman Roger-Vasselin won 6-4 7-5 inside one hour and 40 minutes on a sunny Court Philippe Chatrier.
Their victory at Roland Garros crowned a successful first tournament as a pairing for the second seeds.
"This was a last minute thing, I didn’t want to play mixed because I was in singles and doubles also, but Edouard texted me two hours before the deadline," said Siegemund, 36.
"I wanted to play with him but it didn't work out before. But I couldn't say no and I think it was a good decision we signed up."
Skupski and Krawczyk are two-time Wimbledon champions and reached the final of the Australian Open in January, but started slowly as they were broken in the first game on the Briton's serve.
The fourth seeds had multiple opportunities to break back during the opening set, but Siegemund and Roger-Vasselin held strong in decisive moments.
Siegemund and Roger-Vasselin also broke early in the second set, before being pegged back to 4-4 after some smart work at the net from Skupski which prompted a roar in celebration.
But Siegemund took control of the game at 5-5, breaking once more with a fine drop shot volley at the net, before home favourite Roger-Vasselin served out to seal the win.
Skupski, 34, said: "I want to congratulate Laura and Edouard, it's been an amazing week. Edouard, it must be very special to win in France for you, congratulations to you and all your team.
"Thanks to Desirae once again for playing with me. We lost in the final in Australia but we'll play at Wimbledon and I hope we can go one step further forward."
