Townsend, Muhammad derail Serena, Wozniacki in Auckland doubles final
The American team defeated two of the previous three Australian Open champions to win their first title together.
Going up against two Grand Slam champions can be somewhat intimidating—particularly when one of those champions has won 23 major singles titles, and another 14 in doubles. But the all-American duo of Asia Muhammad and Taylor Townsend served and volleyed their way past the extremely accomplished team of Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams on Sunday, 6-4, 6-4, to win their first WTA doubles title.
Muhammad and Townsend will be back for more. As for Wozniacki, the match marked her final appearance in Auckland, and Serena's return is no guarantee itself.
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Wozniacki and Serena, who teamed up for the first time, had a spectacular week overall. They out the tournament's No. 1 seeds Johanna Larsson and Caroline Dolehide in the quarterfinals and stormed through the singles draw. While Wozniacki fell in the semifinals, her good friend went all the way; defeating Jessica Pegula earlier in the day.
"Serena, thank you so much for playing doubles with me. It's been so much fun. I think my only regret in tennis is that we didn't do this earlier," said Wozniacki in her on-court interview.
Wozniacki, who will be retiring from the sport following the Australian Open, said her goodbyes to Auckland.
"I also really want to thank all the fans who have come out here every single year and the ones who are here for the first time," said Wozniacki. "Thank you so much for supporting me and us throughout this whole tournament, you guys make it so special for us and that's why we love to come back here. The atmosphere is so amazing."
Wozniacki will begin her final Australian Open campaign on January 20th.
