Whiley wins second French Open doubles crown

Jordanne Whiley won her second French Open doubles title – and her eighth Grand Slam crown in total – as she and Yui Kamiji stormed back in a deciding tie-breaker in a thrilling final.

Ickenham-based Whiley and her Japanese partner beat defending champions and top seeds Jiske Griffioen and Aniek van Koot 6-3, 4-6, (10-6).

It was the third year in a row the two pairs had met in the final at Roland Garros, and the third year in a row the match had gone to the tie-break.

Whiley and Kamij built on a 3-0 lead to take the opening set, only for Griffioen and van Koot to hit back.

However, from 5-3 down in the tie-break, Whiley and Kamiji won seven of the next eight points to wrap up victory and regain the title they won for the first time in 2014.

They have now won two Australian Opens, two Roland Garros titles, two Wimbledon titles and a US Open doubles crown, while Whiley is also the defending US Open singles champion.

Whiley said: “Me and Yui both had little wobbles throughout the final, but we lift each other up and I never have any doubts in her ability, as she’s like a boomerang and always comes back into it.

“I’m really confident for Wimbledon now and even though the grass can be tough, like clay, I can’t wait to play singles and doubles there and do everyone proud.”