The Dating Game of Doubles: Partnerships on the Court

Doubles tennis at the U.S. Open is likened to dating, with players selecting partners, assessing chemistry, and hoping to achieve long-term success. The process involves pre-game courtships, last-minute pairings, and occasional changes, all aimed at winning trophies. Notable examples include Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova, and the Cinderella story of Anna Danilina and Harri Heliovaara.

At the U.S. Open, doubles tennis is more than just a game; it's akin to dating, requiring players to carefully choose partners, assess chemistry, and hope for enduring success. Picking the right partner becomes a strategic move aimed at securing trophies, much like Taylor Townsend's selection of Katerina Siniakova.

Players often experience courtship rituals before the game, mirroring real-life relationships. Bethanie Mattek-Sands remarked on last-minute pairings, citing examples like Anna Danilina and Harri Heliovaara, who won the mixed doubles trophy last year after an eleventh-hour partnership.

Stability remains crucial for many, as seen with Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell or Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini. Despite this, successful duos may still part ways, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of doubles partnerships, much like the split of Siniakova and Barbora Krejcikova after their Grand Slam win.

(With inputs from agencies.)