In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 US Open, Marcel Granollers of Spain and Horacio Zeballos of Argentina claimed the men’s doubles title, defeating the American duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in a tightly contested final, 6-4, 6-4. The victory, secured on September 6, 2025, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, marked a significant milestone for the top-seeded pair, capping a remarkable year that saw them rise to the pinnacle of men’s doubles tennis. This triumph not only solidified their status as one of the premier doubles teams on the ATP Tour but also completed Granollers’ collection of Grand Slam doubles titles, making him the second Spaniard after Manuel Orantes to win a major doubles title at each of the four Grand Slams.
A Partnership Forged in Resilience and Chemistry
Marcel Granollers, 39, and Horacio Zeballos, 40, have been a formidable force in men’s doubles since they began partnering regularly in 2019. Their journey to the 2025 US Open title was a testament to their enduring partnership, marked by mutual trust, complementary playing styles, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Granollers, known for his steady baseline play and tactical acumen, pairs seamlessly with Zeballos, whose flair at the net and powerful serves add dynamism to their game. Together, they have crafted a synergy that has propelled them to multiple titles and the world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles.
The 2025 season was a defining one for the duo. Entering the US Open as the top seeds, they carried the weight of expectation after a year that included victories at prestigious tournaments such as the Madrid Open and the ATP Finals. Their consistency was evident in their ability to navigate high-pressure situations, a quality that shone through in the US Open final. Facing Krawietz and Puetz, a pair known for their aggressive play and strong serving, Granollers and Zeballos displayed remarkable composure, breaking their opponents’ serve at critical moments to secure the straight-sets victory.
The Final: A Display of Precision and Poise
The men’s doubles final, played under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, was a showcase of high-level doubles tennis. Granollers and Zeballos, with their years of experience, approached the match with a clear game plan: neutralize the big serves of Krawietz and Puetz, maintain control of the baseline rallies, and capitalize on any opportunities at the net. From the outset, the top seeds imposed their rhythm, moving with purpose and executing their shots with precision.
The first set was a tightly contested affair, with both teams holding serve comfortably through the early games. Granollers and Zeballos, however, found their breakthrough in the seventh game, capitalizing on a slight dip in Krawietz’s serving accuracy to secure a crucial break. A pinpoint lob from Zeballos, followed by a deft volley from Granollers, sealed the game, giving them a 4-3 lead. The top seeds held firm, closing out the set 6-4 with a combination of solid serving and relentless pressure on their opponents’ service games.
The second set followed a similar script, with Granollers and Zeballos maintaining their focus despite a spirited fightback from Krawietz and Puetz. The Americans, buoyed by the home crowd, pushed hard to level the match, but the top seeds’ experience proved decisive. In the ninth game, a perfectly timed return from Granollers set up a break point, which Zeballos converted with a blistering crosscourt forehand winner. Serving for the championship at 5-4, the duo showed no signs of nerves, with Granollers delivering an ace to bring up match point and Zeballos sealing the victory with a deft drop volley that left the Americans stranded.
The final scoreline of 6-4, 6-4 belied the intensity of the match, which lasted just over 90 minutes. Granollers and Zeballos converted two of their three break point opportunities while saving all four break points faced on their own serve. Their efficiency under pressure was a hallmark of their performance, underscoring why they have been the dominant force in men’s doubles throughout the 2025 season.
Granollers’ Grand Slam Legacy
For Marcel Granollers, the 2025 US Open victory was a career-defining moment. At 39, he became only the second Spaniard to win a men’s doubles title at all four Grand Slams, joining the legendary Manuel Orantes in an elite club. Granollers’ journey to this milestone began over a decade ago, with his first Grand Slam doubles title at the 2012 French Open alongside compatriot Marc López. He added the 2019 Wimbledon title with Zeballos and the 2020 Australian Open crown, also with Zeballos, to his resume before completing the set with the US Open triumph.
Granollers’ achievement is particularly remarkable given the challenges he has faced throughout his career. A former top-20 singles player, Granollers transitioned to doubles as injuries and the physical demands of singles took their toll. His adaptability and willingness to reinvent himself as a doubles specialist have paid dividends, with seven Grand Slam finals appearances and now four titles to his name. In the post-match press conference, Granollers reflected on his journey, saying, “This is a dream come true. To win all four majors is something I never imagined when I started playing doubles. Horacio and I have worked so hard, and this moment means everything to us.”
Zeballos’ Redemption and Resilience
For Horacio Zeballos, the US Open title was his second Grand Slam doubles crown, following his 2020 Australian Open victory with Granollers. At 40, Zeballos has defied the odds to remain a top-tier competitor in a sport that demands relentless athleticism and mental fortitude. Known for his fiery on-court demeanor and exceptional net play, Zeballos has been a fan favorite throughout his career, particularly in his native Argentina, where he is celebrated as one of the country’s finest doubles players.
Zeballos’ path to the US Open title was not without its challenges. Injuries, including a nagging wrist issue in 2023, threatened to derail his career, but his determination to return to the top of the game never wavered. His partnership with Granollers has been a source of stability and success, with the duo complementing each other’s strengths to form a near-unbeatable combination. “Winning the US Open is something I’ll cherish forever,” Zeballos said after the match. “Marcel and I have been through so much together, and to lift this trophy in New York is a memory we’ll carry for the rest of our lives.”
The Significance of the Victory
The 2025 US Open men’s doubles title holds profound significance for both Granollers and Zeballos, not only as a personal achievement but also as a milestone for their respective countries. For Spain, Granollers’ feat adds to the nation’s rich tennis legacy, which includes icons like Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Juan Carlos Ferrero. His accomplishment in doubles underscores the depth of Spanish tennis, which has traditionally been dominated by singles stars but now boasts a doubles legend in Granollers.
For Argentina, Zeballos’ triumph is a source of national pride, particularly in a country with a storied tennis history that includes Grand Slam champions like Juan Martín del Potro and Gabriela Sabatini. Zeballos’ success in doubles highlights the importance of the discipline in a nation where singles often takes the spotlight. His victory also serves as an inspiration for younger Argentine players, demonstrating that perseverance and teamwork can lead to greatness, even in the later stages of a career.
The victory also has broader implications for men’s doubles tennis, a discipline that often operates in the shadow of singles but has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Granollers and Zeballos, with their charismatic play and consistent success, have been at the forefront of this renaissance, drawing attention to the skill, strategy, and athleticism required to excel in doubles. Their US Open triumph, broadcast to millions around the world, showcased the excitement of doubles tennis and its ability to captivate audiences.
The Road to the US Open: A Season of Dominance
The 2025 season was a banner year for Granollers and Zeballos, who entered the US Open as the team to beat. Their path to Flushing Meadows was paved with victories at some of the ATP Tour’s most prestigious events. In May, they won the Madrid Open, defeating a strong field that included several top-10 doubles teams. Their performance in Madrid was a masterclass in doubles tennis, with Granollers’ steady baseline play complementing Zeballos’ aggressive net presence.
The duo followed up their Madrid success with a runner-up finish at the French Open, where they fell just short against a resurgent Australian pair. Undeterred, they bounced back with a title at the Halle Open, a key grass-court warm-up event for Wimbledon. At Wimbledon, they reached the semifinals, further solidifying their status as the world’s top-ranked doubles team. Their consistency across surfaces—clay, grass, and hard courts—demonstrated their versatility and made them the favorites heading into the US Open.
The US Open draw was no easy path, with several dangerous teams lurking in the field. Granollers and Zeballos faced a stern test in the semifinals against the British-American pair of Jamie Murray and Taylor Fritz, a match that went to a third-set tiebreak. Their ability to stay composed under pressure, a hallmark of their partnership, saw them through to the final, where they faced Krawietz and Puetz.
Krawietz and Puetz: A Worthy Challenge
Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz, the American duo who reached the final, were no strangers to high-stakes matches. Krawietz, a two-time French Open doubles champion (2019 and 2020), brought a wealth of experience to the partnership, while Puetz’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play made them a formidable team. The Americans had a strong run in New York, defeating several seeded teams to reach their first US Open final together.
Despite their loss, Krawietz and Puetz earned praise for their spirited performance. Their ability to compete with the world’s top-ranked team underscored their potential as a rising force in doubles. In the post-match press conference, Krawietz acknowledged the quality of their opponents, saying, “Marcel and Horacio were just too good today. They played the big points better than we did, and that’s what makes them champions.”
The Evolution of Men’s Doubles Tennis
The 2025 US Open men’s doubles final was a microcosm of the evolution of doubles tennis in the modern era. Once considered a secondary discipline, doubles has gained prominence as players like Granollers and Zeballos bring a level of professionalism and athleticism that rivals singles. The strategic complexity of doubles, with its emphasis on teamwork, communication, and quick reflexes, was on full display in the final, as both teams executed intricate patterns and showcased their versatility.
The rise of doubles specialists like Granollers and Zeballos has also highlighted the importance of longevity in the sport. Unlike singles, where physical demands often lead to early retirements, doubles allows players to extend their careers well into their 30s and beyond. Granollers, at 39, and Zeballos, at 40, are prime examples of this, proving that experience and tactical nous can trump raw athleticism in the doubles arena.
The US Open’s commitment to showcasing doubles tennis has also played a role in its growing popularity. With prime-time scheduling and increased media coverage, the tournament has elevated the profile of doubles, drawing new fans to the discipline. Granollers and Zeballos’ victory, watched by a global audience, will likely inspire the next generation of doubles players to pursue excellence in the sport.
The Cultural and Historical Context
The 2025 US Open took place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing tennis landscape. With the retirement of several legends in recent years, including Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal, the sport is in a transitional phase, with new stars emerging and established players like Granollers and Zeballos stepping into the spotlight. The US Open, as the final Grand Slam of the year, has always been a stage for defining moments, and the 2025 men’s doubles final was no exception.
For Granollers, the victory added to Spain’s storied tennis history. The country has produced a remarkable number of Grand Slam champions, from Santana and Orantes in the 1960s and 1970s to Nadal and Alcaraz in the modern era. Granollers’ achievement in completing the Career Grand Slam in doubles places him among the greats, a testament to his perseverance and skill.
For Zeballos, the win was a moment of redemption for Argentine tennis, which has faced challenges in recent years. The nation’s last Grand Slam title before Zeballos’ 2020 Australian Open victory came in 2009, when Juan Martín del Potro won the US Open men’s singles title. Zeballos’ success, alongside other Argentine players like Diego Schwartzman and Francisco Cerúndolo, signals a resurgence for Argentine tennis on the global stage.
The Future for Granollers and Zeballos
As the top-ranked doubles team in the world, Granollers and Zeballos are well-positioned to continue their dominance in 2026 and beyond. Their US Open victory has solidified their legacy, but both players have expressed a desire to keep pushing the boundaries of their success. With the ATP Finals looming at the end of the 2025 season, the duo will aim to defend their title and further cement their status as one of the greatest doubles teams of their era.
For Granollers, the focus will be on maintaining his physical condition as he approaches his 40th birthday. His experience and tactical acumen make him a formidable competitor, but the demands of the ATP Tour require careful management of his schedule. Zeballos, similarly, will need to balance his competitive ambitions with the realities of a long career. Their partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared love for the game, will be key to their continued success.
The emergence of younger doubles teams, such as the Australian pair of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson, will provide a fresh challenge for Granollers and Zeballos. The depth of the doubles field ensures that they will need to remain at their best to stay atop the rankings. However, their performance at the 2025 US Open suggests that they are more than capable of meeting that challenge.
Reflections on a Memorable Tournament
The 2025 US Open was a tournament filled with drama, excitement, and historic moments. In the singles draws, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek continued their dominance, while emerging stars like Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff made strong cases for future greatness. The doubles events, however, provided some of the most compelling storylines, with Granollers and Zeballos’ victory standing out as a highlight.
The US Open’s unique atmosphere, with its raucous crowds and electric energy, provided the perfect backdrop for the men’s doubles final. The fans, who packed Arthur Ashe Stadium for the match, were treated to a display of skill and sportsmanship that encapsulated the spirit of the tournament. Granollers and Zeballos, with their graciousness in victory, earned the admiration of the New York crowd, who gave them a standing ovation as they lifted the trophy.
Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented
Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos’ triumph at the 2025 US Open was more than just a victory; it was a celebration of perseverance, partnership, and the enduring appeal of doubles tennis. Their 6-4, 6-4 win over Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz was a fitting cap to a dream year, one that saw them dominate the ATP Tour and etch their names into tennis history. For Granollers, the title completed a Career Grand Slam, a rare feat that places him among the sport’s elite. For Zeballos, it was a moment of redemption and a testament to his resilience.
As they stood on the podium, holding the US Open trophy aloft, Granollers and Zeballos shared a moment of quiet pride, their smiles reflecting the journey they had undertaken together. For tennis fans around the world, their victory was a reminder of the beauty of doubles tennis—a discipline that combines strategy, teamwork, and heart. As the curtain falls on the 2025 US Open, Granollers and Zeballos stand as champions, their legacy secure and their place in tennis history assured.
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