Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek: US Open Doubles Champs Built for Success

Following up their semifinal win over defending champions Bob and Mike Bryan, the Indian-Czech pairing of Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek took home the U.S. Open men's doubles titles with a straight-set win over No. 2 seeds Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares, 6-1, 6-3.

It's the second Grand Slam title in two years for Paes and Stepanek, who won the Australian Open in 2012—their first major tournament together.

The team has known triumph in a brief period with five titles over the past two seasons. And while that is definitely an enviable statistic, there could've been more victories along the way.

What has slowed their path in 2013 was a major physical setback for Stepanek, where he was forced to undergo spinal surgery. While he missed the bulk of the season, Paes played the role of patient partner, waiting for Stepanek to return.

And the U.S. Open run shows they were able to pick up where they left off with quick success.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Paes is one of the greatest doubles players of any generation. The veteran still possesses some of the quickest hands around the net, as well as a tremendous sense of touch. He can also find any angle on the court, much like John McEnroe or Todd Woodbridge, when it comes to doubles.

And while Stepanek might not have the elegance to his game that Paes does, he's aggressive and is ready to attack at any opportunity. His return game—particularly off the backhand side—sets him and his partner up for putaway volleys, which they're more than happy to smash back with interest.

Paes and Stepanek will continue to shake up the landscape of the ATP doubles tour. And 2014 could see more Grand Slam titles coming their way.