SAN JOSE, CA, USA - It was an unconventional route to the trophy - but new Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic doubles champions Latisha Chan and Kveta Peschke are thrilled nonetheless.
The pairing didn't play a match until the semifinal stage of the tournament, when they beat Makoto Ninomiya and Miyu Kato 6-1, 6-4, and enjoyed an equally comprehensive win over Nadiia and Lyudmyla Kichenok in the final, 6-4, 6-1.
"We know each other's game pretty well, I'm very happy," Chan told reporters after their championship match.
"We know each other for some time," added Peschke. "We know we get along very well. That's always easier - if two people understand each other."
After the retirement of Martina Hingis and falling away from the World No.1 spot, Chan has been seeking a regular doubles partner in the hope of replicating the success she had with her Swiss team-mate in 2017.
"This year has been changing partners and I haven't had a steady partner to finish the whole season, which is not a bad thing," she said. "I think it's also a journey to get more experience, to learn more, and to reflect what I did well with Martina and what I can be better [at] in upcoming seasons.
"It feels pretty great, and I'm happy I have Kveta here to help and share with me her experience and have a good time this week."
