Israelis make history in Australia: Israel's Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram won their first grand slam title with a 7-5 7-6 victory over Frenchmen Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra in the Australian Open men's doubles final on Saturday.
They became the first Israeli pair to win a grand slam title.
Following the great victory, Erlich said he wished to particularly thank the fans who supported the duo in the past two weeks. Meanwhile, Ram spoke with his brother in Israel and told him "we're going to get drunk at the pub."
As is customary at such occasions, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called to congratulate Ram and Erlich for their win.
The match, which followed the women's singles final, was delayed during the first set when a rain downpour over the uncovered Rod Laver Arena made it unplayable with Erlich and Ram leading 4-2.
Israeli pride (Photo: Reuters)
Tournament staff mopped up the rain with towels and the roof was closed before they returned about 30 minutes later.
Erlich and Ram had a comfortable lead when they restarted but the French Wimbledon champions fought back before the Israelis took the first set.
They had the opportunity to take a 5-3 lead in the second, holding two break points, but the French pair rallied to take a 6-5 lead before Erlich and Ram forced the tiebreak.
The Israeli duo then came back from 3-1 down in the tiebreak to secure the next four points and win it 7-4.
Miki Sagi contributed to the story
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