US Open 2013: Hlavackova-Hradecka outclass Dellacqua-Barty to clinch doubles title

Casey Dellacqua and Ashleigh Barty look dejected after their women’s doubles final against Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka at the US Open on September 7, 2013 in New York City. (Getty Images)

In the next game, a double fault by Hradecka at 30-30 in the eighth game eased the tension for the Aussies; an immediate break back opportunity came out of nowhere. The Czech team gifted the break when Hradecka failed to get her backhand across the net when she was rushed at the baseline.

Barty was forced to deuce in the ninth game as the pressure mounted. Hradecka moved up at the net to punch a backhand volley winner to earn break point in the ninth game. But Dellacqua was equal to the challenge, thumping a backhand volley right between her two opponents to claw back to deuce.

The end game was near and each point turned into a battle. The young Barty, under attack from the baseline was forced into an error as the Czechs earned yet another break point. After a rally, Barty struck a forehand into the net to surrender what was to prove the decisive difference between the two teams.

Hlavackova, solid all evening on her serve, now had the opportunity to serve for the US Open Women’s Doubles Championship. The 27 year old earned three match points when Hradecka poached one at the net to thump a crushing forehand winner.

The Czechs went one better on their effort last year when Barty dumped a backhand in the net. The loss meant that Dellacqua and Barty haven’t a win to show from three appearances in Grand Slam finals this year.

The Czech duo was too strong at the baseline for the Aussies, especially Hradecka. Both women often stood at the back before they gained enough depth on their ground strokes to give Hlavackova enough time to run up to the net and poach a volley winner.

“It’s been amazing,” said Hlavackova. “I can’t believe I have won two Grand Slams this week. I want to thank Lucie. She helped me as much as Max did.”

The win gave the Czech duo $460,000 in prize money and helped etch their name on the polished US Open silver trophy for the first time in their careers.