Barbora Krejcikova has paid tribute to Judy Dalton and ‘The Original Nine’ after she and Katerina Siniakova defended their Australian Open ladies’s doubles title.
The prime seeds accounted for Japanese first-time finalists Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara 6-4 6-3 in Sunday’s championship decider at Rod Laver Arena.
The end result prolonged the Czech pair’s outstanding grand slam profitable streak to 24 matches, securing their second Australian Open crown and seventh main title general.
Australian pioneer Dalton was considered one of 9 gamers who fought tirelessly to start out a ladies’s skilled tennis tour, resulting in the creation of the WTA in 1973.
Dalton offered Krejcikova and Siniakova with their winners’ trophy, which got here with a $695,000 prize cheque.
“I am really honoured that we can get the trophy from you,” Krejcikova stated.
“I have to say that we all – the WTA, everybody – really appreciate what you did for us, the next generation.”
Krejcikova and Siniakova, who got here collectively in 2013, haven’t misplaced a match at a grand slam for the reason that 2021 US Open.
They received final yr’s Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open, having additionally claimed gold on the Tokyo Olympics, and dropped only one set in six matches at Melbourne Park this yr.
“It’s been a very long journey and I’m really happy with how we are playing and how we can improve,” Krejcikova stated.
“The connection and everything is working well, so I’m really looking forward for more.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
