Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko had just pulled off the unthinkable in the 2024 US Open. Winners secured their maiden Grand Slam doubles title in style as they defeated Kristina Mladenovic and Zhang Shuai 6-4, 6-3. This victory inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday was one of those moments they will never forget.
A Perfect Tournament
The Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko barely stopped from start to finish. Flawless, the No. 7 seeds, who lost not a single set all fortnight, showed just why they are an absolute force on the court. Their chemistry is out of this world. This victory is even dearer to Lyudmyla Kichenok. Throughout this tournament, her life partner, Stanislav Khmarsky, who happens to be Jelena Ostapenko’s coach, kept her company.
Lyudmyla Kichenok Dedicates Win to Ukraine
This victory also means a lot more to Lyudmyla Kichenok. She immediately dedicated her win to the people of Ukraine, who are having it tough. I want to dedicate my wins to the people of Ukraine. They are fighting hard for our freedom just now, she said. Her words reflect a powerful sense of purpose and dedication beyond the sport.
In itself, the match was a rollercoaster. Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko cruised to a 3-0 lead before hard-hitting Mladenovic and Zhang struggled their way back into contention. They tied the first set at 4-4. The match was tight, with both pairs poised against each other skillfully. Finally, Ostapenko and Lyudmyla Kichenok took the first set because of an important break point.
The second set saw the Mladenovic and Zhang duo racing to an early lead, but to no avail, as the mighty forehands by Ostapenko struck gold, supported by the strategic game from Lyudmyla Kichenok. There was a video review that could only delay the action for a few seconds before Kichenok and Ostapenko easily sealed off the final set.
Ostapenko, Kichenok Capture Doubles Title
The victory means more to Ostapenko, regarded as one of the finest singles players in the world. This was her maiden Grand Slam doubles title to go with her singles title at Roland Garros in 2017. It was testimony to her all-around ability that she played such a good tournament.
This is the second major title for Lyudmyla Kichenok, who won the mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 2023. Undeniably, this new addition will add glitters to her brilliant career. She has proved that she can rise to the top in both singles and doubles formats.
Her collaboration with Kichenok started in July 2013 when they won an ITF tournament in Imola, Italy. They separated for some years and then got back together in 2018. This was the starting point for their upward streak, as they grew to be one of the great doubles combinations. They have won more than 100 matches together and boast impressive team results thus far.
As Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ostapenko walk away with their new Grand Slam trophy from Flushing Meadows, the future is bright for them. They have proved that they are a team to beat in women’s doubles. The win at the US Open was just one prize among many prizes on a continuous journey of success and achievement yet to be had in tennis.
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