Tennis: Huge win for Erlich and partner Fleming in Sydney

Israeli players set for Australian Open in Melbourne.

By ALLON SINAI
Israel’s Yoni Erlich (photo credit: REUTERS)
Israel’s Yoni Erlich
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Israel’s Erlich and partner oust Bryan brothers Yoni Erlich’s first win of 2016 was a memorable one, with the veteran Israeli and British partner Colin Fleming defeating legendary American duo Bob and Mike Bryan 7-5, 7-5 in the first round of the Sydney International on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old Israeli, ranked No. 50 in the world, and Fleming will next face Thomaz Bellucci and Leonardo Mayer in the quarterfinals.
After going all the way to the final in the Challenger tournament at Happy Valley, Australia, Dudi Sela (87) was sent packing in the first round in Canberra on Tuesday, losing 6-3, 6-3 to Santiago Giraldo (70).
Sela will next travel to Melbourne ahead of the start of the Australian Open next week.
Israel’s Amir Weintraub (207) began his participation in the Australian Open qualifiers early Wednesday morning, facing Luke Saville (190).
Julia Glusko and Shahar Pe’er will also be in action in the qualifiers later this week.