Siniakova and Krejcikova’s golden slam

Dominant Czech duo Katerina Siniakova and Barbora Krejcikova rallied to beat Caty McNally and Taylor Townsend 3-6 7-5 6-1 to claim their third Grand Slam doubles title of the year and sixth overall.

The Americans led by a set and 4-1 before the Tokyo Olympic gold medal came back strong to end their “gold slam” career with their first triumph in New York on Sunday.

“We calmed down and said it’s okay, it won’t be this time,” Siniakova explained, recalling their conversation when they fell behind in the second set.

“I think this helped us and afterwards we showed better tennis. We were just trying to keep fighting and playing every point. I am so surprised and very happy I did ”.

Along with the trophy, the couple, who started playing together as a junior, received a check for US $ 688,000 (A $ 1 million).

“I really appreciate the fact that we are still playing together and everything is going so well,” Siniakova said.

The pair are undefeated in the Grand Slam doubles tournaments they participated in this year. They missed Roland-Garros when Krejcikova caught COVID-19.

“I don’t know how it happens,” Krejcikova said.

“I found the whole season really difficult and especially this match. It was really hard for us and I think the level was high on both sides… it’s incredible that we have won another Grand Slam ”.

McNally and Townsend, who together beat Australians Storm Sanders and Caroline Dolehide in the semifinals in their first major together, were disappointed that they couldn’t finish the match, but said it would serve as motivation for the future.

“This hurts,” Townsend said.

“But it’s not the last time I’ll be here. I am sure. I worked, I deserved to be here and I think everyone sees it.

“I will continue to lower my head and grind and that will motivate me to commit even more, so beware of 2023”.

McNally, who was also a doubles finalist at Flushing Meadows last year, congratulated her partner.

“Taylor, I have so much respect for you for the daily work I’ve seen you do,” he told Townsend.

“You are a wonderful person. Thank you for this trip and I hope we can do it again.”

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