The best WTA doubles teams of the 21st century

Since the birth of the Open Era in 1968, tennis has seen a complete revitalization of how players compete; the material of the racquets, style of play, and improved fitness techniques all contribute to the explosion of quality that the sport has seen.

It's to the point where not even doubles has been spared from this epic "golden" period. These WTA pairings have shaken up the game since the turn of the century, becoming the best of the best of the best, and earning recognition.

Current Ranking: No. 1 and No. 2

Career Highlights: Champions: 2017 Australian Open, Charleston; 2016 US Open, Beijing, Miami, Wuhan; 2015 Australian Open, French Open, Toronto, Stuttgart

A relatively recent team that is now literally the best by ranking, "Team Bucie" wasn't a Grand Slam winning pair until the 2015 Australian Open. They have since won four total majors together, and Mattek-Sands just needs Wimbledon to achieve a career Grand Slam.

Since their inception, Mattek-Sands and Safarova have achieved a winning percentage of 85 percent, and are sailing at the top of the doubles rankings.

Current Ranking: No. 3 and No. 4

Career Highlights: Champions: 2016 Roland Garros, Madrid, Charleston, Stuttgart; Finalists: 2016 US Open, Beijing, Dubai, Sydney

Mladenovic and Garcia officially first played together in February 2015 during the Fed Cup for France. However, the two didn't start becoming a force to be reckoned with until the start of 2016 where they quickly skyrocketed within the Top 5 on the doubles charts.

In their first year as a team, they won Roland Garros, Madrid, and were finalists of the US Open and numerous other tournaments. Unfortunately, their impressive record won't continue this year as they announced their split.

Current Ranking: No. 7 and No. 8

Career Highlights: Winners: 2016 Brisbane, Sydney, Australian Open, St. Petersburg and Rome, 2015 Indian Wells, Miami, Charleston, Wimbledon, US Open, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Beijing, WTA Finals

One of the most decorated pairs in the last five years, the superstar pair of Mirza and Hingis have taken multiple majors and were the pair to beat in 2015. Mirza by herself has won 41 doubles titles, while Hingis ha collected 56. Separately, they are two of the greatest tennis players in modern tennis. Together, they are a near unstoppable force of doubles fury. Despite all of this success, they parted ways last year and have since found new partners.

Current Ranking: Both tied at No. 5

Career Highlights: Winners: 2017 Dubai; 2016 Montreal, Olympic Games, WTA Finals; 2014 US Open; 2013 Indian Wells, Roland Garros; 2012 Beijing, Moscow

Who can argue with gold? Partners since 2013, Vesnina and Makarova have been tearing up the doubles court ever since. Two Grand Slams, an Olympic gold medal, and champions of the 2016 WTA Finals are only some of the accomplishments that Russians have accomplished in their time together.

With the Dubai title and reaching the semifinals in Indian Wells, 2017 is looking bright as the duo will try to continue their winning streak during the clay-court season.