Ace Whiley’s in seventh heaven
Second French doubles title adds to six-trophy haul
SMILES ALL ROUND: ICKENHAM’S Jordanne Whiley won her second Roland Garros doubles title at the weekend with Japanese partner Yui Kamiji.
The pair are now seven-time Grand Slam doubles champions, having won two Australian Opens, two Roland Garros titles, two Wimbledon titles and one US Open doubles crown.
Whiley and Kamij built on a 3-0 lead to take the opening set of the women’s doubles final, only to be taken to a deciding match tie-break in Paris by defending champions and Dutch top seeds Jiske Griffioen and Aniek van Koot for the third year in a row.
However, from 5-3 down Whiley and Kamiji won seven of the next eight points in the match tie-break to wrap up victory and regain the title they won for the first time in 2014.
“It’s been a very successful week in the end with another Grand Slam title and finishing off with an ace,” said Whiley, the reigning US Open women’s singles champion, who also beat world No.1 Griffioen earlier this week to reach the singles semifinals.
“I put myself in with a really good chance to be in the singles final here and even though I didn’t make it, I feel positive about how my game is going and I’ll take more positives than negatives out of this week.
“Me and Yui both had little wobbles throughout the final today, but we lift each other up and I never have any doubts in her ability, as she’s like a boomerang and always comes back into it!
“I’m really confident for Wimbledon now and even though the grass can be tough, like clay, I can’t wait to play singles and doubles there and do everyone proud.”