Wildcards Parrott and Gullickson win US Open mixed
Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:42
Carly Gullickson and Travis Parrott pulled off a second stunning mixed doubles upset in a row to beat defending champions Cara Black and Leander Paes 6-2 6-4 and win the US Open title on Thursday.
The American wildcards, who beat top seeds Mahesh Bhupathi and Liezel Huber 6-3 6-4 in the semi-finals, dominated the opening set in blustery conditions before racing into a 5-2 lead in the second against the No.2 seeds.
The duo, playing together for the first time, were broken with Gullickson serving for the title but held their nerve to clinch the match just after the hour mark, Gullickson putting away the final volley to seal the win.
The pair were not planning to play together until Parrott’s scheduled partner, Abigail Spears, pulled out shortly before the US Open. Spears recommended Gullickson as a replacement and Parrott sent her an invitation by text message a couple of days before the tournament, which she accepted.
“Oh my gosh, I can’t even believe it, it’s so exciting,” Gullickson said. “I want to thank Travis for playing so well. He played awesome the whole week.”
“I can’t even believe it,” said 22-year-old Gullickson. “It’s my first time on Arthur Ashe. It was a great experience. I’m super excited and happy right now.
“I have no problem saying she’s MVP,” Parrott said, turning to Gullickson and adding, “thanks for carrying me the whole week. It’s been fun.”
“Our opponents were too good for us today.” admitted a magnanimous Paes afterwards. “They played excellently well.”
Both Black and Paes will have another shot at a title at this year’s Open. Paes is through to the men’s doubles final with Lukas Dlouhy, where he faces former partner Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles.
World No.1 pair Black and Liezel Huber are in the women’s doubles semi-finals, where they face Aussie No.3 seeds Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs. Venus and Serena Williams await the winners in the final.
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