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US Open Sunday: Doubles Championship

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

The singles champion has been crowned in New York. Now it’s time for the doubles hardware to be handed out! Chris Oddo previews Sunday’s doubles final right here at wtatennis.com.

Day 14
Doubles Final

[1] Caroline Garcia (FRA #3) / Kristina Mladenovic (FRA #4) vs. [12] Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA #16) / Lucie Safarova (CZE #42)
Head-to-head: Garcia and Mladenovic lead, 1-0
Key Stat: Mladenovic and Garcia snapped Mattek-Sands and Safarova’s 8-match winning streak in this year’s Charleston final.

France’s dynamic duo of Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic will seek its second Grand Slam title of the year while Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Lucie Safarova will look to claim their third major title of the last two seasons in Sunday’s US Open Women’s Doubles final. Garcia and Mladenovic are currently No.3 and No.4 respectively in the WTA’s double rankings, but they are playing like they have their eyes on the No.1 ranking here in the Big Apple. In their first season as a full-time team the pair are in the midst of a career season that has seen them go on a 16-match winning streak and earn four trophies, including an emotional run to the Roland Garros title where they became the first French team to win in Paris since 1971. The Frenchwomen became the second team to qualify for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global earlier this week and they have not skipped a beat since. Garcia and Mladenovic have defeated the WTA’s No.1 and No.2 ranked doubles players in the last two rounds, notching wins over No.7-seeded Sania Mirza and Barbora Strycova in the quarterfinals before taking out No.6-seeded Martina Hingis and CoCo Vandeweghe in the semifinals. And they’ve yet to drop a set all fortnight.

Their opponents should be their toughest test to date, however. Two-time major champions Mattek-Sands and Safarova have finally located their missing mojo in New York. After falling in the first round at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, they have snapped a four-match losing streak as a team en route to their third Grand Slam final and first at the US Open. They defeated 2014 US Open champions Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina in the semifinals, and have gone 5-1 in finals as a team overall. Can Mattek-Sands and Safarova, reunited after a long hiatus due to Safarova’s health concerns and individual Olympic preparations, ride the emotional wave to a third major title? Or will Les Bleus have another crowning moment on the Grand Slam stage?

Pick: Mattek-Sands and Safarova in three

By the Numbers:
1 – Only one all-French duo has reached the final at Flushing Meadows (Chanfreau/Durr were runners-up in 1970). Garcia and Mladenovic are bidding to be the first all-French champions.
5-1 – Safarova and Mattek-Sands’ record in finals as a team. They won their first five finals before falling to Garcia and Mladenovic in the Charleston final.
19 – Mattek-Sands owns more doubles than any of the other three finalists. She’s bidding for her 20th title today. Mladenovic owns 16 titles, Safarova owns 9 and Garcia has won 6.

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Insider Podcast: Kerber Reigns In New York

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

NEW YORK, NY, USA – Angelique Kerber marked her coronation as the WTA’s new No.1 by defusing Karolina Pliskova in an absorbing US Open final.

Showing all the qualities that have made her 2016’s standout performer, Kerber rallied from 3-1 down in the final set to collect her second Grand Slam trophy.

“I think it’s amazing what I did this year, and I’m really so happy and so proud about everything – my team, my game, the improvements to my game,” Kerber said afterwards. “Being here with my second [Grand Slam] trophy is the best feeling ever.”

Hear what else Kerber had to say on her latest triumph, as well as comment from gallant runner-up Pliskova in the latest Daily Dispatch:

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn or on any podcast app of your choice to ensure you never miss an episode when they go live. Reviews are always helpful, so if you like what you’ve heard so far, leave us one. You can also get new episode alerts by following us on Twitter @WTA_Insider.

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Gallery: Kerber Wins The US Open Title

Gallery: Kerber Wins The US Open Title

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970
An action-packed fortnight at the US Open concluded with a final clash between Angelique Kerber and Karolina Pliskova.

An action-packed fortnight at the US Open concluded with a final clash between Angelique Kerber and Karolina Pliskova.

After setting the stage with an impressive show and fighter-jet flyover, it was time for the finalists to take to the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

After setting the stage with an impressive show and fighter-jet flyover, it was time for the finalists to take to the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Angelique Kerber walked out with the knowledge that when the new rankings came out on Monday, she’d be the new WTA World No.1.

Angelique Kerber walked out with the knowledge that when the new rankings came out on Monday, she’d be the new WTA World No.1.

But she had some business to take care of first, in the form of No.10 seed Karolina Pliskova.

But she had some business to take care of first, in the form of No.10 seed Karolina Pliskova.

Kerber was in search of a second Grand Slam title, after claiming the Australian Open and reaching the Wimbledon final earlier this year.

Kerber was in search of a second Grand Slam title, after claiming the Australian Open and reaching the Wimbledon final earlier this year.

But Pliskova was on an 11-match winning streak, including wins over Serena Williams and Venus Williams earlier in the Open.

But Pliskova was on an 11-match winning streak, including wins over Serena Williams and Venus Williams earlier in the Open.

Kerber took the lead in the first set...

Kerber took the lead in the first set…

...But Pliskova roared back in the second.

…But Pliskova roared back in the second.

Pliskova led by a break in the third set, but the World No.1 fought it off and secured a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory.

Pliskova led by a break in the third set, but the World No.1 fought it off and secured a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory.

Kerber collapsed to the ground in elation, becoming the first German since Steffi Graf to win the US Open title.

Kerber collapsed to the ground in elation, becoming the first German since Steffi Graf to win the US Open title.

After a show of good sportsmanship at the net…

After a show of good sportsmanship at the net…

…Kerber ran into the stands to celebrate with her team, including her coach Torben Beltz.

…Kerber ran into the stands to celebrate with her team, including her coach Torben Beltz.

Pliskova had previously won against Kerber in the Cincinnati final, but couldn’t do it again at the US Open.

Pliskova had previously won against Kerber in the Cincinnati final, but couldn’t do it again at the US Open.

The finalists were presented with their trophies…

The finalists were presented with their trophies…

And Kerber’s childhood dream of winning the US Open trophy came true.

And Kerber’s childhood dream of winning the US Open trophy came true.

It was a great performance from Pliskova, who’d previously never been past the third round of a Slam.

It was a great performance from Pliskova, who’d previously never been past the third round of a Slam.

And it was a great fortnight for the new World No.1, who’s getting used to posing with trophies at the end of Grand Slams.

And it was a great fortnight for the new World No.1, who’s getting used to posing with trophies at the end of Grand Slams.

Congratulations Angelique Kerber on a second Grand Slam title!

Congratulations Angelique Kerber on a second Grand Slam title!

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Twitter Reaction: Kerber Claims US Open

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

After the world was done holding its breath throughout a tense final, the tweets came pouring in for US Open champion Angelique Kerber and finalist Karolina Pliskova.

Check out some of the best tweets, right here on wtatennis.com!

First up, here from the woman herself, who took time from her various post-win duties to post this celebratory message:

 Some of Germany’s biggest sports stars at home and abroad took to Twitter to celebrate Kerber’s achievement, including NBA star Dirk Nowitzki, F1 pilot Nico Rosberg and a whole host of World Cup winning soccer players.

Of course, the WTA’s stars and legends were also tuned in to the final, and they had plenty of words for both of the finalists after the match.

Here are the best messages from Kerber and Pliskova’s WTA peers:

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Kerber Edges Pliskova For US Open Crown

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

NEW YORK, NY, USA – Angelique Kerber capped off her rise to WTA World No.1 by winning her first US Open title, edging past No.10 seed Karolina Pliskova, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

“It’s just amazing. I won my second Grand Slam of the year and it’s the best year of my career,” Kerber said after the match.

“For me everything started here in 2011,” she added, referring to when she made the semifinals ranked No.92. “And now here, five years later I’m standing here with the trophy. All the dreams came true this year.”

Pliskova, who was contesting the first Grand Slam final of her career, opened the match looking a bit nervy, hitting four unforced errors in her first service game – including a wild forehand volley at the net. She broke a string just as Kerber broke her serve, and the German consolidated to build up a 2-0 lead.

But now with a couple of games in the bag, both players began to settle into the match and bring out the sparring tennis they’ve produced in their past seven encounters. Kerber defending the ball well then found open court with her famously consistent ground strokes, keeping Pliskova on the run. For her part, the Czech took advantage of Kerber’s short balls and pounced on her second serve, but the loose errors proved to be her undoing as Kerber broke again to take the first set.

More to come…

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LIVE: US Open Finals Day

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

WTA Insider | In the latest WTA Insider Live Blog, keep up with all the action as Angelique Kerber takes on Karolina Pliskova for the US Open title.

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Roddick Previews US Open Final

Roddick Previews US Open Final

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

NEW YORK, NY, USA – Andy Roddick has had a lot to say throughout the 2016 US Open.

The former ATP No.1 and 2017 International Tennis Hall Of Fame Nominee – alongside Kim Clijsters – partnered with Chase to launch the #MasterTheOpen series on Periscope, where he broadcasts his signature mix of incisive and humorous commentary live each day at the Open.

Weighing in on the upcoming women’s final between new World No.1 Angelique Kerber and Western & Southern Open champion Karolina Pliskova, the 2003 US Open champion had this to say:

Stay tuned for the Saturday’s final at 4pm EST / 9pm BST!

US Open

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Eguchi, Pliskova Book Dalian Final Clash

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

DALIAN, China – No.7 seed Misa Eguchi outlasted Grace Min in a two-hour and twenty minute marathon match to reach the final at the Dalian Women’s Tennis Open, where she’ll face the unseeded Kristyna Pliskova for a shot at the title.

Watch free live streaming from Dalian 125K all week right here!

After dropping the first set to the Japanese No.7 seed, Min – the author of yesterday’s big upset of top seed Qiang Wang – roared back in the second, edging past Eguchi in the tiebreaker to force a deciding set. After weathering a two-hour rain delay, the Japanese player righted the ship in the final set, powering past Min to book a spot in the final.

Her opponent in the Dalian Women’s Tennis Open final will be the 24-year-old Kristyna Pliskova. Pliskova, ranked No.122, will arrive into the match feeling quite rested as her opponent Han Xinyun was forced to retire just 36 minutes into the match, with Pliskova leading 4-1.

Eguchi leads the head to head against Pliskova, notching a straight sets win over the Czech in their only previous encounter back in 2014. But the pair haven’t played at the WTA-level since, and Eguchi will have to contend with Pliskova’s biggest weapon: her powerful, record-setting serve.

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10 Things To Know: Kerber Vs Pliskova

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

NEW YORK, NY, USA – History is on the line on Saturday night as Angelique Kerber looks to mark her coronation as World No.1 by defeating Karolina Pliskova in the final of the US Open.

Before the two face off on Arthur Ashe Stadium, here are 10 points to ponder…

(2) Angelique Kerber (GER #2) vs (10) Karolina Pliskova (CZE #11)
Head-To-Head: Kerber leads Pliskova, 4-3

1) We meet again.
Kerber and Pliskova are making a habit of locking horns at the business end of tournaments. In fact, their past three encounters have all come with the silverware on the line. The most recent of these came just three weeks ago in the Cincinnati, where Pliskova played some brutal tennis to break down Kerber’s defenses for the loss of only four games. This gained a modicum of revenge for a couple of painfully close losses the previous summer in Birmingham and Stanford.

2) Mixed record in finals.
For all Kerber’s success in recent years, she still has a mixed record in finals. Although the German has broken the final hoodoo she suffered earlier in her career – between June 2012 and August 2014 she lost eight of nine – her overall win-loss record stands at 9-14. Pliskova, too, has a history of near misses, winning only six of the 15 she has contested

3) Kerber was eight years old the last time a German appeared in the US Open final.
Kerber is bidding to become the first German woman to win the US Open since her idol Steffi Graf won the last of her five titles, in 1996. The last Czech to reach the final was Helena Sukova, in 1993. Her conqueror? Graf. Hana Mandlikova, in 1985, is to date the only Czech player to go all the way at Flushing Meadows.*

* Czech-born Martina Navratilova won in 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, but by that time was representing the United States

4) Breaking new ground.
In her 17 Grand Slam appearances prior to arriving in New York, Pliskova had never reached the second week. The last player to reach a major final having never previously been beyond the third round was Amélie Mauresmo at the 1999 Australian Open. Since 1988 Australian Open (when all majors switched to 128-draws) no player has won a Grand Slam on their first venture into the second week. The closest was Serena Williams, who reached the fourth round at Roland Garros in 1999 then won US Open later that same year.

5) Kerber is trying to win multiple majors.
Should Kerber prevail she will become the first player not named Serena to win multiple majors in a calendar year since Justine Henin did so in 2007.

6) On a roll.
Pliskova is currently on an 11-match winning streak. The only time in her career she has gone longer without tasting defeat came way back in 2011, when she won 12 on the spin on the ITF Circuit in the Far East.

This current run came within a point of ending against Venus Williams in the fourth round. Navratilova is the only woman in Open Era to win the US Open title having saved match point – in 1986 she saved three in her semifinal versus Graf.

7) Achieving the Serena-Venus double.
Pliskova is just the eighth woman to beat both Williams sisters at the same tournament, the fourth at a Grand Slam and third at the US Open. The two players to have done so at Flushing Meadows, Justine Henin (2007) and Kim Clijsters (2009) both went on to win the tournament.

8) Kerber not the only one on the rise.
Serena’s semifinal defeat ensured Kerber will become the 22nd player to reach No.1 in the rankings. Pliskova is also on the march too, guaranteeing herself a career-high ranking of No.6 by reaching the final (she would go to No.5 with the title).

Meanwhile, the results in the Big Apple have caused a slight reshuffle on the Road To Singapore leaderboard, with Pliskova leapfrogging Simona Halep, Agnieszka Radwanska, Garbiñe Muguruza, Dominika Cibulkova and Carla Suárez Navarro and Madison Keys into third place; the top two, Kerber and Williams, have both already secured qualification for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

9) Kerber’s unblemished record.
Kerber has not dropped a set on her way to the final. The last player to win a major without losing a set was Serena at the 2014 US Open.

10) The exclusive leftie club.
Kerber is attempting to become just the third left-hander to win the title. The other three were Evelyn Sears (1907) Navratilova (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987) and Monica Seles (1991, 1992).

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Insider Podcast: US Open Final Preview

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

NEW YORK, NY, USA – It’s finals weekend at the US Open, as new World No.1 Angelique Kerber looks to solidify her spot atop the WTA rankings with a second Grand Slam title.

Standing in her way is No.10 seed Karolina Pliskova, who kept the German from hitting No.1 at the Western & Southern Open. Pliskova became the first Czech woman to reach a US Open final by becoming the fourth woman to ever beat both Williams sisters at a major tournament – the first since Kim Clijsters in 2009.

Hear from both finalists in their own words in the latest Daily Dispatch from the WTA Insider Podcast:

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn or on any podcast app of your choice to ensure you never miss an episode when they go live. Reviews are always helpful, so if you like what you’ve heard so far, leave us one. You can also get new episode alerts by following us on Twitter @WTA_Insider.

Follow @WTA_Insider

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