NEW YORK—Wearing red, white and blue, Bethanie Mattek-Sands shed tears of joy and tears of sorrow after partnering Lucie Safarova to claim the US Open doubles championship in a thriller on 9/11.
Safarova and Mattek-Sands claimed their third major doubles title together fighting past the top-seeded French pair of Carolina Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic, 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4.
US Open: Mattek-Sands, Safarova Win Doubles Crown
Fifteen years after the terrorist attacks that toppled the Twin Towers, Mattek-Sands said sad remembrance of that day put this US Open title into perspective.
"This is a huge win," said Mattek-Sands, who grew a bit teary-eyed. "I mean, we both looked at each other and we said, We have a US Open trophy right now. I think especially being 9/11, it's really a big thing to enjoy the people you're with, enjoy the moment. I get a little emotional. So it was really special to win it today."
On a day in which a memorial service was held at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, the date of the attack "9/11/01" was etched in white paint on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
"Actually when we got to the locker room the news was on when they were reading all the names," Mattek-Sands said. "You know, it kind of put things in perspective. As much fun as we're having and as much joy as we get out of competing and all of the glitz and glamour of, you know, playing the finals of the US Open, it's humbling to know that you don't know what's going to happen in the future.
"I really appreciate the moment, my family, and my friends, because you don't know what's going to happen."
The occasion gave Mattek-Sands opportunity to bring a bit of the stars-and-stripes court with her.
"It is an emotional day," Mattek-Sands said. "And it was funny. I was going to retire my American flag socks after the gold-medal match. I said, You know what? For the final of the US Open, 9/11, have to bring them out. Had a great crowd and great support. It was really special for me to win it here today in New York."
Photo credit: US Open/USTA