Hometown favourite Marina Erakovic and Puerto Rican partner Monica Puig prevailed in their opening doubles clash over Argentinian Maria Irigoyen and Czech Barbora Krejcikova at the ASB Classic tonight.
The match provided an intriguing entree ahead of the successful pair's singles clash tomorrow, but together they worked efficiently and enjoyeda strong rapport to wear down their opponents and win 6-4, 6-7 (7-5), 11-9.
Erakovic took some time to warm into her work after dropping serve in the first game before the Kiwi-Puerto Rican duo found their rhythm to draw level.
Puig then held serve and Erakovic followed suit to give them a 3-2 advantage but Irigoyen and Krejcikova remained committed and drew back to 4-4.
The crowd favourites kicked ahead confidently however, and broke serve to claim the last game and round out the set.
Both players were guilty of some mistimed shots but with Erakovic largely controlling play at the net, Puig complemented her work nicely from the baseline.
Erakovic and Puig carried a 4-2 advantage before Irigoyen and Krejcikova came back to force a tie breaker which they won 7-5.
The rookie combination were always going to be outsiders in the super tie-breaker but, after fighting back from an early deficit, claimed the contest by converting their fourth match point opportunity of the tie break - and fifth overall.
