We’ve all heard chatter about Coco Gauff‘s former doubles partner and the adrenaline rush she brings into doubles showdowns. Not particularly draped in the usual ‘celebrity spotlight’, however, the Czech star Katerina Siniakova has had remarkable success this season. Regardless, the seasoned doubles player isn’t happy with the community’s outlook towards her achievements. Siniakova reckons her achievements have been undervalued, although she has similar laurels that help players redefine the boundaries of fame.

The Czech sensation enjoyed a stellar run this year. While bagging tour-level titles might go unnoticed, Siniakova made major strides on the Grand Slam stage. She pocketed two Major doubles crowns – the French Open (with American Coco Gauff), and Wimbledon (with Taylor Townsend). Moreover, the No. 1 doubles player brought laurels to her nation after fetching the elusive gold in mixed doubles with Tomas Machac at the Paris Olympics. With such an impressive resume in sight, only a fool would question her doubles finesse. However, amid all this, the Czech stumbled across deep-rooted bias in the sport.

Before commencing her campaign in Wuhan, she seated for an exclusive interview with ‘Tennis Major’, wherein the 28-year-old outlined worrisome double standards on the tour. Notably, Siniakova expressed that her status as a doubles No. 1 was inadequately represented – citing preferential treatment for seasoned singles players. Despite embracing tremendous feats, the Czech star never became privy to the paparazzi’s acknowledgment; something she rarely has a problem with.

She said, “It’s different than in singles. I feel that even when I’m number 1, I don’t get the same advantages, the same practice situations, and I don’t get to do any media, so it’s a really big difference. And it’s sad about doubles. I can just speak for myself: I think I’ve achieved a lot in doubles, but no one cares.”

For those unaware, Siniakova has always been a natural. As a junior in 2013, the Czech star clinched doubles trophies at Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. She also finished the year as World No. 1 in 2018 and 2021, boasting a staggering 27 doubles tour-level titles and 9 Grand Slam titles. Moreover, her French Open partner heaped praises on her following their last-minute thrilling team-up in Paris.

Coco Gauff praises Katerina Siniakova’s resilience after maiden Roland Garros doubles triumph

Apart from leading herself to glory, Katerina Siniakova also ‘tag-teamed’ Coco Gauff to help the American sensation lift her maiden doubles GS title at the French Open. This was an unexpected match-up. Gauff was nowhere near joining forces with the Czech player, not until compatriot Taylor Townsend pitched the idea of their newfound partnership.

After her usual ‘partner in crime,’ Jessica Pegula was forced to pull out due to an injury, Gauff joined forces with the 28-year-old and showcased back-to-back thrillers, ultimately pocketing her first-ever Grand Slam doubles crown. In an on-court interview, the former World No. 2 noted, “Every match I think we played well, even when we weren’t playing so well we found a way to get out of it. We both did a good job of just staying calm and being aggressive and playing our tennis. She did a good job of winning those long rallies.”

Next up, Siniakova is slated to commence her Wuhan Open run on both fronts. For the singles opening round, the Czech player will lock horns with Alex Eala and later, partner with Ekaterina Alexandrova to launch their doubles contest.