With the beginning of another exciting tennis year, Yonex athletes have already made a good start – dominating tournaments and setting the pace for the 2019 season. In a weeks’ time, the Australian Open will be underway, and many athletes are using this time to put their offseason training to the test before the upcoming Grand Slam.
The Swiss pairing of Belinda Bencic (SUI) and Roger Federer (SUI) captured the mixed doubles Hopman Cup title for the second consecutive year, edging out opponent Angelique Kerber (GER) and Alexander Zverev (GER) of the German team once again. The exciting back and forth keep fans on the edge of their seat until the final 4-0,1-4, 4-3(6) score.
Brisbane International tournament saw yet another doubles victory as the Nicole Melichar (USA), Květa Peschke (CZE) duo handily defeated opponents Hao-Ching Chan (TWN) and Latisha Chan (TWN) 6-1,6-1, in straight sets. This win marks the third Brisbane International women’s doubles title garnered by the pair.
Doha, Qatar was the scene of Qatar Open Men’s Doubles victory by the sizzling twosome of Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) and David Goffin (BEL). Although they haven’t made a finals match since they were juniors, their 5-7, 6-4, 10-4 win over opponents Robin Haase (NED) and Matwe Middelkoop (NED) proved Herbert’s prowess as a solid doubles teammate. Other notable victories include ASB Classic 209 women’s doubles winner Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) and Renata Voracova’s (CZE) stunning success at the Shenzhen Open.
Riding on continued hopes for success, Yonex athletes will get a chance to flex their collective muscles January 14th in Melbourne as the Australian Open 2019 gets underway.
Tournament Results:
■ Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019
Men’s Doubles Final
Pierre-Hugues Herbert (VCORE PRO 97) (FRA)/ David Goffin (BEL)
5-7, 6-4, 10-4
Robin Haase (NED) / Matwe Klepac Middelkoop (NED)
Website: http://www.qatartennis.org/tournaments/qatar-exxonmobil-open-2019/
■ Hopman Cup
Switzerland 2-1 Germany
Women’s Singles Final
Angelique Kerber (VCORE 100, POLYTOUR FIRE 120) (GER)
6-4, 7-6(6)
Belinda Bencic (EZONE 100, POLYTOUR PRO 125) (SUI)
Mixed Doubles Final
Belinda Bencic (EZONE 100, POLYTOUR PRO 125) (SUI) /
Roger Federer (SUI)
4-0, 1-4, 4-3(6)
Angelique Kerber (VCORE 100, POLYTOUR FIRE 120) /
Alexander Zverev (GER)
Website: https://hopmancup.com/
■ Brisbane International 2019
Women’s Doubles Final
Nicole Melichar (EZONE 100, POLYTOUR SPIN) (USA) /
Kveta Peschke (EZONE 100) (CZE) [3]
6-1, 6-1
Hao-Ching Chan (TPE) / Latisha Chan (TPE) [4]
Website: https://www.brisbaneinternational.com.au/
■ ASB CLASSIC 2019
Women’s Doubles Final
Eugenie Bouchard (VCORE100) (CAN) / Sofia Kenin (USA)
1-6, 6-1, 10-7
Paige Mary Hourigan (NZL) / Taylor Townsend (USA)
Website: https://www.asbclassic.co.nz/
■ Shenzhen Open 2019
Women’s Doubles
Shuai Peng (CHN) / Zhaoxuan Yang (CHN) [2]
6-4, 6-3
Renata Voracova (VCORE 100, FUSION REV 2, Yonex Apparel) (CZE) / Yingying Duan (CHN)
Website: http://www.shenzhenopentennis.com/2019/eng/index.php