Editor’s note: This article is part of the Winning Style series, exploring the methods elite tennis players use to stay at the pinnacle of the sport.
Claire Curran’s Memorable Match at Wimbledon
NEW YORK — Former Great Britain and Northern Ireland doubles player Claire Curran recalls a memorable match against renowned sisters from the U.S. This occurred in the first round of Wimbledon in 2007. Curran and her partner, Anne Keothavong, faced the formidable Serena and Venus Williams. At that time, the Williams sisters were considered the best players globally and were an intimidating force in the world of doubles. They were determined to win titles whenever they chose to join forces.
Earlier this year, Curran reflected on the power dynamics of that match. She and Keothavong waited for 15 minutes for the Williams sisters to arrive before proceeding to the court. Additionally, the start of the match was delayed further by the sisters. This tactic exploited an advantage in tennis, creating a psychological edge over their opponents.
That strategy impacted Curran, as she later admitted while commenting on their 6-1, 6-3 defeat at the All England Club in July. She now works as a commentator, and the experience left a lasting impression.
Williams Sisters’ Remarkable Achievements
As a superstar doubles pairing, the Williams sisters achieved significant success. They won 14 Grand Slam titles in doubles and captured three Olympic gold medals. Their victories extended to winning the U.S. Open doubles title twice, first in 1999, the year Serena began her illustrious singles career, and again a decade later.
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Now, at ages 44 and 46, the Williams sisters will compete again in the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open women’s doubles. Their opposition will be Australia’s Maya Joint and Taiwan’s Chan Hao-Ching. Serena previously faced Joint in singles at Wimbledon. The sisters’ return to the court invokes memories of a past tennis era, marked by their dominance.
The Evolving Doubles Landscape in Tennis
Top players today rarely participate in doubles, especially during major tournaments. The Williams sisters exemplified this trend, given their exceptional understanding of each other’s games. They focused on winning Grand Slam titles rather than playing regular tournaments.
Venus stated during a June news conference that their selective participation in doubles did not significantly impact her overall game. They prioritized Grand Slam victories, concentrating their efforts accordingly. Despite their notable achievements, Pam Shriver and Martina Navratilova hold the record for women’s Grand Slam doubles titles, a record that could have been threatened if the sisters had pursued it more aggressively.
Current Dynamics in Women’s Doubles Tennis
Other standout singles players, like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, have gained recognition for their doubles victories. Iga Świątek is also a significant doubles finalist. However, today’s doubles scene lacks the presence of high-profile singles players teaming up.
Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff were one of the last known doubles partnerships featuring top singles players. Their collaboration ended when larger singles tournaments took precedence. Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider remain notable figures in current doubles competition.
Pegula shared her experience of playing doubles with Gauff, emphasizing how it enhanced their individual games. She noted the benefits of such experiences for young players new to competitive environments.
The Williams sisters recently participated in the Cincinnati Open, showcasing their enduring presence in tennis. Doubles remains valuable but challenging due to scheduling conflicts. Singles holds higher priority at tournaments, complicating professional commitments in doubles.
During a Miami Open tournament, Pegula and Gauff faced logistical challenges due to rain delays and subsequent match scheduling. Additionally, extended events, like WTA 1000 tournaments, demand prolonged travel commitments from players.
Choosing between remaining for doubles or returning home after a Grand Slam exit becomes increasingly common for players. These decisions highlight the desire for more downtime during intense competition periods.
Embracing the Joy of Doubles
The joyous nature of doubles continues to capture attention, exemplified by Andreeva and Shnaider’s camaraderie. Curran suggests that if Andreeva reduces her doubles play, she might miss showcasing certain skills practiced during doubles matches.
Alexandra Eala, a rising star from the Philippines, expressed enjoyment in doubles, embracing the collaborative and innovative aspects it offers. Her doubles partners include Venus Williams and other young talents.
Shriver expresses optimism for the potential return of the Williams sisters to doubles, believing their skills could lead to further accomplishments.
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