By David Gold

2011-Andy-LapthornePeter-Norfolk-AustralianOpen-Dubs-trophy-400x300-Steve-Solomon-Tennis-AustraliaJanuary 26 - Andy Lapthorne and Peter Norfolk have retained the Australian Open quad doubles wheelchair tennis title at Melbourne Park after a 6-4, 6-2 win over Noam Gershony and David Wagner.

They enjoyed a good start having broken the Israeli/American partnership early on but were pegged back to 2-2 before three consecutive games helped them to secure a simple first set victory.

In the second set the British pair took a 5-1 lead and there was no way back for Gershony and Wagner despite holding serve one more time.

Lapthorne said: "I'm feeling ecstatic about winning my second Grand Slam title.

"I have a new first this year, retaining a title, so I'm also happy about that.

"Me and Pete played very well as a team today, he gave me the right words of encouragement at the right time.

"It was a fabulous result today, for me coming back from my injury I have had a long hard day and have not only come through pain free, but with two wins."

Norfolk added: "It was tough in patches but as a team we talked well.

"Now it's time for some rest and a massage then preparation for another big day tomorrow."

It was the second victory of the day for Norfolk, who had won his singles game with Gershony 6-3, 6-0.

Lapthorne, by contrast, succumbed to a straight sets defeat against Wagner, 6-0, 7-6.

Norfolk now meets Wagner in the final set of round robin games, with Lapthorne facing Gershony.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
July 2011: Norfolk defeats American rival to claim British Open title
February 2011: Top seeds all secure titles at Australian Open as Norfolk misses out
September 2010: Norfolk loses unbeaten Grand Slam record in New York
September 2010: Norfolk begins defence of US Open title in style
September 2010: Norfolk returns to world number one spot after US victory