Zvonareva, Siegemund win US Open women's doubles title

Vera Zvonareva and Laura Siegemund stood awkwardly facing each or, rackets and arms in air in confusion. Finally, Siegemund turned to chair umpire for a ruling.

“Are we allowed to give a hug?” she asked.

rules of tennis during coronavirus pandemic were only thing Zvonareva and Siegemund couldn't figure out in ir first tournament toger.

duo won U.S. Open women's doubles title Friday, beating third-seeded team of Xu Yifan and Nicole Melichar 6-4, 6-4.

Zvonareva and Siegemund collected $400,000 — and also ir hug — by racing to quick leads in both sets and holding on when ir opponents began to play better.

Zvonareva, a Russian who turned 36 this week, added this title to 2006 U.S. Open trophy she won with Nathalie Dechy. She also was runner-up in singles at Flushing Meadows in 2010, falling to Kim Clijsters, and rose to a career-high singles ranking of . 2 following month.

She also won 2012 Australian Open doubles title but later battled injuries and began playing less, especially after giving birth to daughter Evelina in 2016.

“It wasn't easy,” Zvonareva said. “I had a lot of injuries in past and always trying to come back, and it's a big privilege for me to be here today.”

Zvonareva and Siegemund, who have each won U.S. Open mixed doubles title, raced to a 5-1 lead in first set and a 3-1 start in second. Siegemund, who was sharp early, paid tribute to an aunt she said died while she was in New York

“I think she had best seat in house so I just want to dedicate it to her,” German said.

Xu and Melichar finished second for second straight tournament in New York. y were runners-up at Western & Sourn Open that’s usually played in Ohio.

Im credits: AP