Canadian Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia beat the Bryan brothers Bob and Mike 7-6 (3), 6-2 to win the Tennis Masters Cup doubles crown in Shanghai and replace the Americans as the No. 1 pairing in the world yesterday.

Canadian Daniel Nestor (R) and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia celebrate with their trophies during the awarding ceremony for the final of men's doubles at Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai, 2008, in Shanghai, Nov. 16, 2008. [Xinhua]

The Wimbledon champions shared US$220,000 after going unbeaten on their debut at the yearend championship for the best eight pairings, clinching the title with their third service break of the match after 74 minutes.

"It's a great feeling," said Nestor. "We've had a great year. I think when we're playing well, we're deserving of the No. 1 ranking."

The Bryans, the US Open champions, were looking to win a third Masters Cup title after back-to-back wins in 2003 and 2004 and to secure the No. 1 spot at the end of the season for a record fourth straight year.

"It's pretty unusual that the No. 1 ranking comes down to one match, that's probably one in a million," said Bob Bryan, whose serve was hindered by a shoulder injury. "But I think they deserve it. I guess we've got to tip our hat to them."

Nestor and Zimonjic have now beaten the Americans three straight times.

"To win the Masters Cup - for me for the first time - to play against the Bryans, who have been dominating the doubles the last four, five years, and to fight for the No. 1 spot, you couldn't ask for more," said Zimonjic, who won the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open with China's Sun Tiantian.

(Shanghai Daily November 17, 2008)