Lyudmyla Kichenok, who was set to marry Jelena Ostapenko’s coach, found herself in a unique situation as her unexpected run to the US Open women’s doubles championship forced a change of plans. With an impressive victory over Kristina Mladenovic and Zhang Shuai in the final, Kichenok and Ostapenko secured their first major title as a team. The duo did not drop a set throughout the tournament and walked away with a prize of $750,000.
The road to the championship was not an easy one for the No. 7 seeds. Despite starting the season with a loss in the Australian Open final, Kichenok and Ostapenko showcased incredible teamwork and determination at Flushing Meadows. During the on-court trophy presentation, Ostapenko expressed her excitement over their unexpected success, highlighting the fact that they continued to improve with each match.
Kichenok, who hails from Ukraine, dedicated the victory to her home country and its ongoing struggles for freedom. In a heartfelt statement, she mentioned that her win was a way to show support and encouragement to her fellow Ukrainians who are fighting for a better future. This sentiment added a deeper meaning to their triumph on the court, resonating with fans and supporters around the world.
On the opposing side, Kristina Mladenovic, a seasoned player with six Grand Slam doubles titles under her belt, faced disappointment once again in the US Open finals. Partnered with Zhang Shuai, who was aiming for her second trophy in New York, Mladenovic fought hard but ultimately fell short in their quest for victory. Despite the loss, Zhang expressed her determination to continue striving for success in future tournaments.
The championship match was filled with twists and turns as both teams battled fiercely for the title. Ostapenko and Kichenok took an early lead by breaking their opponents in the second game of the first set. Despite a strong comeback attempt from Mladenovic and Zhang, the eventual champions held their ground and sealed the set with a crucial break at a pivotal moment. The second set saw a series of breaks and holds, with Ostapenko and Kichenok emerging victorious after a tense exchange of match points.
As Kichenok reflected on her win, she expressed gratitude for having such a wonderful partner in Ostapenko on the court. With this victory, she now boasts two Grand Slam titles, adding to her previous success in the Wimbledon mixed doubles event. The joy and pride of clinching the US Open championship will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory for both players as they continue their journey in the world of professional tennis.
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