Just as they did in New York, the women of #TeamSoCal are ready for action in doubles play at the French Open. The draws are already underway, with a host of players hitting the clay for the first time on Thursday.
Once again, the contingents of UCLA and USC are at the forefront. Jennifer Brady made a hasty departure from singles but returns in doubles play alongside Caroline Dolehide. The meet Srebotnik/Friedsam in the opening round. Ena Shibahara (Mountain View) rejoins Shuko Aoyama after their US Open run, posting here as the #7 seed against Pera/Voracova on Thursday. The team has played well since New York, reaching quarters in France and Italy.
Asia Muhammad stormed into the US Open semifinals with Taylor Townsend, but she arrives in France alongside Jessica Pegula. The pair began play on Wednesday against Yastremska/Lapko. Muhammad is currently ranked #39 in WTA doubles.
Sabrina Santamaria, WTA doubles #70, pairs with Lauren Davis beginning Thursday. The tandem draws Kerkhove/Schoofs to open play. Santamaria (Los Angeles) and Kaitlyn Christian (Orange) will rep the USC Trojans, as Christian rejoins teammate Gina Olmos. Christian/Olmos were quarterfinalist in Istanbul following the US Open.
Also look for Louisa Stefani (Pepperdine) and Desirae Krawczyk (Palm Desert), in doubles action at Roland Garros.
On the men’s side, top seed Robert Farah and teammate Juan Sebastian Cabal lost their first set at the French, but rebounded for an opening round win. Sam Querrey & Steve Johnson team up on Wednesday.
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