Lyudmyla Kichenok had her wedding planned for this week to Jelena Ostapenko’s coach, Stanislav Khmarskiy. However, their unexpected run to the US Open women’s doubles championship forced a change of plans. The duo emerged victorious in the final, beating Kristina Mladenovic and Zhang Shuai with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
An Unexpected Win
The No. 7 seeds, Kichenok and Ostapenko, began the season with a loss in the Australian Open final. However, they showcased exceptional teamwork at Flushing Meadows, not dropping a single set throughout the tournament. The duo’s flawless performance earned them $750,000 in prize money. During the on-court trophy presentation, Ostapenko expressed her excitement, stating, “We are a really great team, and I think it was just an amazing two weeks.”
A Dedication to Ukraine
Kichenok dedicated the victory to her home country of Ukraine, acknowledging the ongoing struggles for freedom in the nation. She mentioned, “They are fighting really hard for our freedom right now, and I just hope I can give them some encouragement. My heart is with them.”
For Mladenovic, who has won six Grand Slam doubles titles, this was her third defeat in the US Open finals. Zhang, aiming for her second trophy in New York after winning the title in 2021, expressed her disappointment but vowed to continue fighting in future tournaments.
The Winning Moment
Ostapenko and Kichenok secured an early advantage by breaking in the second game. Although Mladenovic and Zhang managed to level the set, the eventual champions held on in a grueling eight-deuce game to take a 5-4 lead. The match concluded with a double fault from Zhang on the second set point, sealing the victory for Ostapenko and Kichenok.
Despite facing three match points, with the final one confirming Kichenok’s successful volley, the champions prevailed in the end. Kichenok, who had previously won the Wimbledon mixed doubles event in 2023, expressed her joy, saying, “I still have goosebumps after match point. It feels amazing. I’m blessed to have such a partner by my side on the court.”
Through their exceptional performance and teamwork, Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko claimed the US Open women’s doubles championship, solidifying their status as a formidable duo in the tennis world.