Top US Open women's doubles contenders

Just think: If Katerina Siniakova and Barbora Krejickova would’ve broken through at the first major of 2018 in Australia, we could’ve been looking at a calendar Grand Slam in play at the US Open.

As it stands now, the French Open and Wimbledon champions are the team to beat, but not without some challengers eager to take the title.

Here’s a look at the prospects of some of the top teams.

1

Andrea Hlavackova and Barbara Strycova

One word best describes Strycova: versatile. The Czech is a Top-20-caliber talent in singles and doubles, and has clicked on tour with her Fed Cup teammate Hlavackova.

The two will be one of the top seeded teams in New York, and with their skill set can go be expected to go deep in the draw.

2

Demi Schuurs and Elise Mertens

So far, Schuurs has been the best player on tour this year, winning titles with multiple partners. She’s shined the most with Mertens, who’s having a standout season in singles, too.

Grand slam success has eluded Schuurs, though. She did win the US Open girls doubles title in 2011: Perhaps the familiar confines will help her get over the hump.

3

Katerina Siniakova and Barbora Krejcikova

At Wimbledon this year, Krejcikova and Siniakova won the doubles title—five years after taking the juniors title.

The same thing happened at the French, too. Will the five-year double streak continue in New York, where they came out on top in the 2013 girls’ final? The young Czechs have shown they’ve taken their early lessons to heart with multiple majors on the main tour.

4

Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic

The pair’s reunion got off to a perfect start as they won their first Grand Slam together in Australia.

They weren’t able to match that accomplishment at the other two majors. However, Australia showed they’re at their best on hard courts and they’ll be eager to demonstrate their prowess in Queens.

5

Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Lucie Safarova

“Team Bucie” hasn’t gotten completely in sync yet upon Mattek-Sands’ return to the tour, but as they showed in 2016, they know how to play in New York.

The fan favorites are just over a year removed from their third straight Grand Slam. What better place to work out any kinks than the US Open?

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