Wang Xinyu (L) of China and Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei celebrate with the French Open women's doubles title after beating Taylor Townsend of the U.S. and Leylah Fernandez of Canada 1-6, 7-6(5) and 6-1 in the event's final at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 11, 2023. /CFP
Wang Xinyu of China and Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei defeated the No. 10 seed pair of Taylor Townsend of the U.S. and Leylah Fernandez of Canada 1-6, 7-6(5) and 6-1 in the women's doubles final at the French Open to win the event's title at Roland Garros in Paris, France, on Sunday.
This is Wang's first, Hsieh's fifth Grand Slam title and makes Wang the seventh player from the Chinese mainland to win a women's title in the Grand Slam tournaments.
Wang and Hsieh beat four seeded pairs to reach the final match on Sunday. Townsend and Fernandez gave them a head-on blow from the beginning, breaking three of their serves in the first set.
Wang Xinyu (R) of China and Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei compete in the French Open women's doubles final against Taylor Townsend of the U.S. and Leylah Fernandez of Canada at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 11, 2023. /CFP
Having trailed early in the match, Wang and Hsieh didn't panic, but continued to play in a clam and collected way in response. They broke the opponents' first serve in the second set and saved two game points in the fourth game to lead 3-1. Though Townsend and Fernandez scored a break to drag this set into the tie-break, Wang and Hsieh won it 7-5 to tie the match.
Wang and Hsieh followed up the victory with a hot pursuit in the third set, breaking two of the opponents' serves and leading 5-1 after six games. They didn't leave the North American pair any chance in their final serve, sealing the deal to achieve an exciting comeback win.
Wang Xinyu (R) of China hugs Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei after their French Open women's doubles final win at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 11, 2023. /CFP
The victory on the Paris clay capped a remarkable French Open campaign for Wang, who marked her Roland-Garros debut with the third doubles title of her career, having previously coming out on top at Courmayeur Open and Jiangxi Open.
Wang, 22, who was born and raised in the bustling city of Shenzhen, grew up in a sports family. She lived next to a tennis court when she was young, and tennis became a part of her daily life. At the age of 6, her father began teaching her how to play tennis and she gradually transitioned to professional training.
Wang has risen to the challenge ever since and managed to rise from world number 306 to world number 58 this year. In this year's clay season, her performance was not as satisfactory as expected. She has always been focusing on singles, but to her surprise, she achieved such a great breakthrough in doubles this time around.
Wang Xinyu (L) of China and Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei kiss the trophy after their French Open women's doubles final win at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 11, 2023. /CFP
"Before the tournament, I never expected to win the doubles because the event has always been my side job, and I wanted to make a name for myself in the singles matches," said Wang after her triumph.
"However, partnering with Hsieh Su-wei this time, I learned many new techniques from her such as footwork, returning and running. I am grateful for this opportunity to work with her," she added.
"I have always believed that as long as I trust myself and walk at my own pace, I will definitely reach the goal I want to achieve. I believe in myself, and I also believe that there will be surprises ahead."