Ivan Dodig, Marcelo Melo beat Bryans to land maiden major in Paris

Paris: Croatia`s Ivan Dodig and Brazilian Marcelo Melo clinched their maiden grand slam title by defeating brothers Bob and Mike Bryan 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 7-5 in the French Open doubles final on Saturday.

Cheered on by triple Roland Garros champion and compatriot Gustavo Kuerten, Melo ended a tight contest with a splendid half volley to deny the American Bryan brothers their 17th major.

Dodig becomes the first Croatian to win a title at the French Open while Melo is only the second Brazilian to triumph on the Paris clay after Kuerten`s success in 1997, 2000 and 2001.

Dodig and Melo lost the 2013 Wimbledon final against the Bryan brothers.

The top-seeded Americans got off to a solid start and claimed the first set on a tiebreak only for their third-seeded opponents to level in the same fashion.

Dodig and Melo then broke decisively in the 11th game of the decider and closed the match out to claim the trophy.