By Erik Gudris | Saturday, September 6, 2014

 

Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina fought back from a set down to win their second Grand Slam doubles title together.

Photo Credit: AP

Russia's Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina held their own against a former World No. 1 and her talented partner to win the US Open women's doubles title on Saturday night.

US Open: CIlic Upsets Federer To Reach First Grand Slam Final

Former world No. 1 Martina Hingis, who recently returned to the sport after retiring eight years ago, sought her ninth Grand Slam doubles title along with her teammate Italy's Flavia Pennetta.

Early on, it looked like Hingis might get her wish as she and Pennetta took control early in the first set. Soon, they wrapped up the set 6-2.

With a vocal crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium cheering mostly for Hingis and Pennetta, the combo looked on the verge of taking the match in straights. Especially after Hingis and Pennetta looked the stronger pair again in the second set. The Russians fought back and soon broke Hingis and Pennetta for the first time to level things at 3-all.

Makarova and Vesnina would go up 5-3 on their way to taking the set and forcing a decider. Pennetta found herself broken in the opening game of the final set.

Though the Russians went up 2-0, they still had to work for the set. Both Makarova and Vesnina fought through extended games on their serves to keep hold of the lead. They made things easier when they broke Hingis and Pennetta one more time for a 5-2 lead.

On match point, Makarova struck a forehand down the line winner to seal the 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory.

New York is now the second career Grand Slam title for the Russians who also won Roland Garros back in 2013.

Hingis, despite the defeat, enjoyed the opportunity of being back in a major final since returning to doubles competition last year. "It was an incredible journey," Hingis said.

Makarova, who also reached the singles semifinals, expressed her excitement over her two weeks.

"Definitely, it was so amazing," Makarova said. "I'm just so happy. It was a great two weeks for me."