Kudryavtseva/Srebotnik Pair Up to Win Doubles Title

Playing two matches on Sunday after a rain-soaked Saturday, the team of Alla Kudryavtseva and Katarina Srebotnik won both on the last day of the Volvo Car Open to capture the doubles crown.

Kudryavtseva/Srebotnik beat Andreja Klepac and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-3, 6-3 inside Volvo Car Stadium after taking out Kateryna Bondarenko and Aleksandra Krunic earlier in the day in the semifinals.

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It’s the first title for the pair after finishing as runners-up in St. Petersberg in February.

Srebotnik had won the doubles title here way back in 2008 alongside Ai Sugiyama. The 37 year old now has 38 doubles titles to her name while playing on the WTA. She had not reached the final here since.

Srebotnik talked of her affinity for the event, playing here for the ninth time.

“This one feels like a family event,” she said on Tennis Channel. “Everyone is so friendly. We feel welcome and at home. … They really love doubles here.”

Added Kudryavtseva: “It feels unique here. I’ve stayed with the same family for years. Southern hospitality… it’s not just about the sport here. Thank y’all! (Laughs.)”

Kudryavtseva/Srebotnik dropped just one set all week – in their first match – then upset the No. 2 seeded team of Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Andrea Sestini Hlavackova in the quarterfinals.

They said they do not have further plans to play together this season having had their schedules set with other partners prior. It’d be a good idea for them to team up, however, after a title like this.