NEW YORK — Since the spring of 2024, Taylor Townsend from Chicago and Kateřina Siniaková from Hradec Králové have been a formidable doubles team. Despite sharing the court since then, Townsend only realized the full extent of her partner’s talent during a practice in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in fall 2025 as they prepared for the WTA Tour Finals.
By that time, they had already secured two Grand Slam doubles titles and made the final of the 2025 U.S. Open. Traditionally, singles players capture most of the spotlight in tennis, but Siniaková and Townsend have quietly amassed a remarkable record. In the U.S. Open, they achieved new milestones, further showcasing their skills.
“The way she did this drill? Now I see why she’s the best in the world,” Townsend remarked.
At the U.S. Open, the pair defeated the American wild-card team of Robin Montgomery and Ashlyn Krueger in a final match that ended 5-7, 6-0, 6-2. This victory was significant for both players. Townsend completed the career Grand Slam, an achievement only 18 women have reached since 1968. Siniaková reached an even rarer accomplishment, becoming the ninth woman to complete the career Grand Slam twice, with different partners.
Siniaková’s first career Grand Slam was won alongside Barbora Krejčíková, a prominent figure in singles tennis, who had claimed titles at Wimbledon and the French Open. This triumph with Townsend added to Siniaková’s list of achievements, marking her 12th Grand Slam doubles title and her 39th overall women’s doubles title.
Before their latest victory, their record stood at 80 wins and 16 losses, now improving to 81-16, including an impressive 7-0 record in finals for 2026. During the trophy presentation, Siniaková expressed gratitude to Townsend for her efforts, stating, “Big thanks to Taylor. You are really fighting for this one, so I’m just really proud we did it.”
Siniaková’s dominance in doubles is matched by few. Only eight women have surpassed 12 Grand Slam doubles titles, with Martina Navratilova leading with 31. If Siniaková finishes the year as the world No. 1, for the sixth time, she will surpass Navratilova’s record for year-end No. 1 finishes in WTA history. Despite her success in doubles, Siniaková is not limited to this format. She has maintained a presence in singles, consistently ranking within the top 75 since 2014 and reaching a career-high ranking of 27 in 2024.
Her singles journey has seen some highlights, such as reaching the fourth round of the French Open in 2019, yet it is her doubles game that truly shines. Winning her first Grand Slam in 2018 fueled her desire for more, driven by the emotions of victory.
“I wanted to feel those feelings again and again,” she reflected.
Siniaková’s keen judgment of potential partners came into play in 2024 when she chose Townsend to replace her injured partner, Storm Sanders. Despite Townsend’s commitment to Brazilian player Beatriz Haddad Maia, she could not turn down the opportunity to team with Siniaková.
Their on-court success is bolstered by a strong off-court connection, something uncommon in the competitive tennis environment. Townsend’s visits to Siniaková’s family in the Czech Republic and shared time in Atlanta strengthened their bond. They support each other’s singles matches and enjoy meals together, contributing to their synergy.
“It’s been a learning curve, but super cool to experience,” Townsend explained about their cultural differences and shared values.
Townsend, who now knows some Czech, often jokes with Siniaková, while her son humorously suggests she could take up new professions. Regardless of future paths, the duo continues to make history on the tennis court.
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