Baseline Awards of 2019: Strongest team chemistry

After winning their second consecutive title at the Italian Open this year, Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah were heavy favorites at the French Open with many predicting a first Grand Slam title for “Colombian Power” at Roland Garros.

The duo managed to advance to the semifinals in Paris for the second time in three years, and after that, it was on to the grass-court season, where they hadn’t made much of a dent in the past. Surprisingly, they won the title in Eastbourne for their first victory on a surface other than clay in nearly three years.

As impressive as that accomplishment might be, it pales in comparison with what happened next.

Cabal and Farah, the No. 2 seeds at Wimbledon, proceeded to capture the title for their first Grand Slam championship, a little over a year after they reached the Australian Open final.

Fast-forward to the summer hard-court season, and the pair made another trip to the finals in Cincinnati. At the US Open, Cabal and Farah managed to take their run of good form two steps further.

The top seeds won their second Grand Slam title on the trot, claiming the crown in New York and establishing themselves as all-around threats on any surface.

Having known each other since they were children and playing together for most of the decade as professionals, Cabal and Farah have formed a near-unbreakable bond. In 2019, that sense of comfort took them to new heights.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias