Ostapenko and Kichenok win US Open women's doubles title in straight sets

Latvian player Jelena Ostapenko (27) and Ukraine's Lyudmyla Kichenok (32) triumphed in the women's doubles event at the US Open, securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory against the Chinese-French duo of Zhang Shaui (27) and Kristina Mladenovic (31) on Friday.

This victory represents the inaugural women's Grand Slam doubles title for both Ostapenko, a former French Open singles champion, and Kichenok, who previously reached the final alongside Ostapenko at the Australian Open earlier this year.

"We make a fantastic team, and these past two weeks have been incredible," Ostapenko remarked during the trophy presentation on the court.

"We had no expectations; we simply improved with each match, and we did not lose a single set, making it a truly remarkable tournament."

Ostapenko and Kichenok established an early lead by breaking serve in the second game. Although the Chinese French team managed to return the set to serve, Ostapenko and Kichenok held firm in a challenging eight-deuce game, saving five break points to lead 5-4.

Zhang ultimately could not sustain the set, conceding it to her seventh-seeded opponents with a double fault on the second set point.

In the second set, Zhang and Mladenovic initially broke serve to take a 2-0 lead, but Ostapenko and Kichenok responded by breaking back to level at 3-3 and then broke Mladenovic at love to lead 5-3, with Ostapenko serving out the match.

"I still feel goosebumps from the match point. It is an incredible feeling," Kichenok expressed, now holding two Grand Slam titles after her victory in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 2023.

"I am fortunate to have such a partner by my side on the court. I appreciate her support throughout these two weeks."