Inside a successful doubles partnership

When it comes to tennis doubles partnerships, the journey to success can be filled with challenges and obstacles. For Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe, their initial matches as a team were not all smooth sailing. Despite winning four matches and losing three in tournaments in Montreal, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, they knew they weren’t playing up to their potential. However, instead of dwelling on their losses, they decided to have an open and honest conversation about how they could better support each other on and off the court. This heart-to-heart conversation proved to be the turning point for their partnership.

In just their fourth tournament together, Dabrowski and Routliffe defied the odds and won all six of their matches at the US Open to secure the doubles title. This accomplishment was not only historic for them but also for their respective countries, as Dabrowski became the first Canadian woman to win a major doubles title, while Routliffe became the first New Zealander to win the US Open.

Doubles tennis is a unique discipline within the sport, as it requires teamwork, sacrifice, and problem-solving. While singles tennis is highly individualistic, doubles is all about collaboration and synergy. Each doubles team is as unique as a snowflake, with different origins and backgrounds. Some teams are formed early on based on nationality, while others come together through shared interests and connections. There are also doubles specialists who excel at adapting to different partners.

The eight teams competing at the WTA Finals in Cancun represent this diversity. Some players, like Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Barbora Krejcikova, have successful singles careers and are ranked highly in the singles category. Others, like Elise Mertens, Katerina Siniakova, and Laura Siegemund, are top-ranked doubles players. There are also players who are not ranked in singles but have made it to the WTA Finals through their doubles prowess.

These 16 doubles players come from 10 different countries, with the United States, Czech Republic, Japan, and Australia having the most representation. The players range in age from 19 to 39, but age is not a determining factor in the success of a doubles partnership. What truly matters is the chemistry and understanding between partners on the court.

One of the most decorated teams at the WTA Finals is Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova, who have been successful since their junior days. Their impeccable communication and understanding of each other’s game make them a formidable force on the court. However, their specific strategies and tactics remain a closely guarded secret.

Another experienced player in doubles is Demi Schuurs, who has reached the WTA Finals with four different partners. The key to finding the right doubles partner, according to Schuurs, is matching personalities and game styles. When the opportunity arises, players discuss the possibility of forming a partnership and explore how their strengths can complement each other’s weaknesses.

Vera Zvonareva and Laura Siegemund have also found success as a doubles team, with a shared intuition that allows them to anticipate each other’s moves and make split-second decisions on the court. Their ability to read each other’s minds is a testament to their strong partnership.

In doubles, sacrificing individual preferences for the sake of the team is essential. Understanding what your partner likes and dislikes and making adjustments accordingly can greatly improve the overall performance of the team. This is a critical factor in achieving success as a doubles partnership.

For players like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, who excel in both singles and doubles, managing the logistics of competing in both categories can be challenging. However, their dedication and talent have propelled them to the top of the doubles rankings as well.

In the world of tennis doubles partnerships, finding the right chemistry and understanding between teammates is key to success. It requires open communication, sacrifice, and a deep connection on and off the court. The teams competing at the WTA Finals in Cancun represent the diversity and talent of doubles tennis, proving that together, they can achieve greatness.

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Jessica Roberts

Jessica Roberts serves up the latest in the world of tennis. With a love for the racket sport, she reports on tennis matches, player rankings, and Grand Slam events, ensuring readers stay informed about the tennis world.