Japanese doubles ace Shuko Aoyama has broken down after her Australian Open women’s doubles final loss with partner Ena Shibahara.
The pair were defeated in straight sets by top seeds and defending champions Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 6-3.
In her speech on Rod Laver Arena, Aoyama said the pair “tried to fight until the end”.
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“It’s amazing playing [with you],” she said to Shibahara. “We tried to do our best, but I’m a little bit sad.
“Thank you to my team. I couldn’t win today but thank you so much for bringing me here,” she added.
“Thank you to my coach for everything you’ve done for me. I’m so happy to play well here. I’ll try to come back next year.
“I’m so happy to play in the final … thank you so much.”
The Japanese pair were never really in the hunt – they were broken in the very first game of the match, and were never in front.
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They did however look to make a match of it in the second set – fighting back from 2-0 down to get back on-serve, before capitulating to lose 6-3.
Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova have now won four of the last five grand slams, and are reigning Olympic champions.
“Well, they showed why they’re so dominant,” Jelena Dokic said on Nine’s coverage.
“It’s the most consistent pair out there. Very hard to beat, very hard to get through, very hard to find a weakness.”
They are also 7-1 from their eight grand slam doubles finals.
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