Australian Open: Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares win men's doubles title

Murray had lost in the finals at Wimbledon and the US Open last year but with new partner Soares he made it third time lucky

Jamie Murray of Great Britain and Bruno Soares of Brazil pose with the trophy (Getty Images)

The clock had ticked past 1am but Andy Murray was not going to miss this moment, even if he was playing in a Grand Slam final the next day. Shortly after Jamie Murray had won the Australian Open men’s doubles title last night, Andy joined his brother’s entourage in the player box to celebrate his triumph.

Andy, who was soon busy taking photographs to capture the moment, had said he would not watch the final live because he always got too anxious when watching his brother. “Andy, you should be in bed,” Jamie said in big-brother fashion during his speech at the presentation ceremony. “I don’t know why you’re here taking photos.”

Jamie had finished runner-up at the two previous Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon and the US Open, alongside John Peers, but this was instant success for his new partnership with the Brazilian Bruno Soares. They won the Sydney title in their second tournament together a fortnight ago and have now claimed what is a first Grand Slam men’s doubles crown for both men.

They did it the hard way, too, fighting back from a set down to beat the veterans Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek 2-6 6-4 7-5. Soares struggled early on, dropping his serve twice in the first set, while Murray fought back from the disappointment of failing to serve out for victory at 5-4 in the third. Nestor was broken in the next game before Soares held to secure the victory.

Nine years after beating his brother to a first Grand Slam title by winning the mixed doubles at Wimbledon, Jamie might now beat Andy to the world No 1 ranking. He will climb five places to No 2 in tomorrow’s updated doubles rankings list, behind Marcelo Melo of Brazil.