Katrina Siniakova and Barbora Krejcikova extended their Grand Slam streak to 24 matches by defeating Japan’s Shuko Ayama and Ena Shibahara 6-4, 6-3 to win the Australian Open women’s doubles title on Sunday.
It was the seventh Grand Slam doubles title by the Czech pair, who broke their Japanese rivals in each of their first games.
Czech players won doubles titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open last year.
“I am very grateful to my colleague Barbora,” Siniakova said. “I’m so glad we did it again, it was a great trip.”
Krejcikova said there was a lot of “hard work” behind the winning streak.
“So many experiences,” she said. “I remember many matches where we were very close. We were in the semifinals of a couple of other Slams, and we just couldn’t get through. “In my experience and everything, the teams are changing, some teams are not playing or are retiring, it’s just a generational change,” he said.
Aoyama and Shibahara are making their 10th final appearance together and their first at a Grand Slam.
“It was very close. . . I feel like it’s just there,” Shibahara said. “Obviously our opponents were very good and strong.
“I feel the experience is the only difference. I know I think we’ll have a better shot next time. Overall I’m really proud of how we’re playing together, I’m excited for what’s to come.