The Men’s Final is set. USA and Brazil defeat their rivals in the semifinals to set up the most anticipated finals of the year - Dalhausser/Lucena (USA) vs Alison/Bruno (BRA).

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Brazil had to play an intense semifinal against their own countrymen today at 2:30PM. The undefeated Pedro/Evandro stepped onto the court and stared across the net at fellow Brazilians Alison/Bruno. Bruno never made eye contact but instead focused on his warm-up and his pre-game high step and shoulder stretch. From the get-go this match was filled with competitive rivalry and you could feel the tension in the air. The over 4,000 fans that crowded into Center Court could sense it as well as Brazilian fans waved flags and danced to the groove of the beat. Alison and Bruno took the first game 21-17, but the entire game was close. Pedro and Evandro came out very strong in game two and gained a 3-point lead toward the end of the set. Alison delivered a huge block followed by several key side-outs and an incredible dig in the back court by Bruno with a scoop and deliver down the line to end the second with a decisive victory (23-21). A biter inter-country rivalry once again concluded with Bruno and Alison grabbing the win and advancing. Pedro and Evandro played a perfect tournament up until that point and the disappointment was seen in both of their faces as they walked away.

Photocredit: Andreas Langreiter

The second men’s semifinal of the afternoon was USA’s local heroes, Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena versus the young talented Dutch team of Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen. This match was intense as well and it went three close sets. The Americans lost their first set, but stayed in control the rest of the match playing their steady side-out game and controlling the tempo of offense. American fans were on their feet most of the match as they watched these local Florida boys show the world once again they are USA’s most elite team. Final score was (18-21, 21-19, 12-15), with the USA advancing to the gold medal match.

Photocredit: Andreas Langreiter

The men’s and women’s medal rounds will start tomorrow at 11AM ET.
Match schedule and live NBC Broadcast info will be released this evening.