New York, USA, 29 August 2023 | Leigh Rogers
Australian duo Storm Hunter and John Friends have the chance to create historical past at this yr’s US Open.
The reigning champions are aiming to change into solely the fifth – and first all-Australian – staff to defend a US Open combined doubles title within the Open period.
Hunter and Friends loved a magical run at Flushing Meadows final yr, turning into the primary all-Australian staff in 21 years to win a US Open combined doubles title. Remarkably, it was their first event collectively too.
It delivered Hunter, now 29, her first Grand Slam title and Friends, now 35, his second.
World No.3 Hunter and world No.39 Friends will start their title defence towards Czech Barbora Strycova, a 37-year-old ranked No.36 and contesting the ultimate event of her profession, and Mexican Santiago Gonzalez, a 40-year-old ranked No.15.
They’re amongst 4 Australians set to contest the 32-team combined doubles competitors this yr.
World No.13 Ellen Perez is the fifth seed alongside world No.8 Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands, whereas world No.11 Matt Ebden is seeded sixth with world No.11-ranked American Nicole Melichar-Martinez.
| US Open 2023 Blended doubles, first spherical |
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| [5] Ellen Perez (AUS)/Jean-Julien Rojer (NED) | v | Chan Hao-Ching (TPE)/Lloyd Glasspool (GBR) |
| [6] Nicole Melichar-Martinez (AUS)/Matt Ebden (AUS) | v | Anna Danilina (KAZ)/Harri Heliovaara (FIN) |
| Storm Hunter (AUS)/John Friends (AUS) | v | Barbora Strycova (CZE)/Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) |
> VIEW: Full US Open 2023 combined doubles draw
Australia can be effectively represented within the males’s and ladies’s doubles competitions in New York this yr, with 11 gamers competing.
> READ: Eleven Australians to contest doubles at US Open 2023
Guide on-line, play at the moment: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on court docket and have some enjoyable!
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