(June 9, 2013) -- Russia's
Ekaterina Makarova and
Elena Vesnina celebrated their first ever French Open women's doubles title together as they upset the defending champions on Sunday.
No. 1 seeds and last year's winners
Sara Errani and
Roberta Vinci of Italy were considered the favorites to take home their second major of the year having won earlier in Melbourne. But the powerful Russian team, who had lost in four previous meetings to the Italians, proved too much for Errani and Vinci this time.
After taking a close first set, Makarova and Vesnina fell behind early 0-1 in the second set. But the Russians then reeled off four straight games to take a 4-1 lead. From there, they soon found themselves at match point with Vesnina hitting a smash winner to seal the 7-5, 6-2 victory.
It is the second career major title for Makarova who earlier won the 2012 U.S. Open mixed doubles title with Bruno Soares.This is the first ever major title for Vesnina who previously lost in two finals back in 2009 and 2011.