Florida Gators

NAPLES, Fla. – Oliver Crawford and Sam Riffice's doubles chemistry this fall has reached new heights, as the tandem has notched their third consecutive doubles finals appearance after coming out on top in a three-set super tiebreak battle in the doubles semifinals of the M25 Naples. Despite both Crawford and Riffice falling out of singles competition in the round of 16, the tandem finished the day off strong to feature in Friday's doubles finals.
 
After prevailing in three sets in the doubles quarterfinals, Crawford and Riffice would find themselves in another three-set voyage against Timo Stodder and Preston Touliatos in the semifinals.
 
The match was tight from the start as both squads traded blows early on, though, Crawford and Riffice would pull away in tiebreak in the first set, 7-6 (3). The second set would be just as competitive with the Gators fighting to earn the victory in straight sets, however, Stodder and Touliatos would go on to answer with a 6-4 decision in the second to force a super tiebreaker. The third set was more of the same, seeing both teams trade point after point before Crawford and Riffice would eventually hold off Stodder and Touliatos, 10-8, in the third to claim the victory.
 
Crawford and Riffice are 5-0 in doubles matches that go to three sets this fall, while the victory serves as their 11^th of the fall to enter the finals riding a seven-match win streak.
 
The duo will go on to face Colombia's Jose Daniel Bendeck and Cristian Rodriguez in tomorrow's finals.
 
Prior to doubles action, singles competition started the day with both Riffice and Crawford falling out of the main draw in the round of 16.
 
No. 6 seed Stefan Kozlov (ATP No. 485) would down Riffice in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, as Crawford's matchup after with Cristian Rodriguez (ATP No. 554) would ultimately see the same result in falling 6-2, 6-3.
 
UP NEXT:

• Singles quarterfinals will begin Friday's competition at the M25 Naples, while the doubles finals will begin not before 5 p.m.