ST PETERSBURG, FL, USA - The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced today that the Russian team of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina are set to attain the WTA World No.1 doubles ranking on Monday, June 11 for the first time in their careers.
Makarova and Vesnina will become the 37th and 38th women overall to reach the WTA World No.1 doubles ranking, and the 13th pair to hold the co-No.1 status. The Russian pair also become the second and third from their country to reach the top spot in the WTA doubles rankings, and first since Anna Kournikova on November 2, 1999.
“It is such an honor to be the WTA World No.1 doubles players,” said Ekaterina Makarova.
Elena Vesnina added, “Ekaterina and I have shared great success as a team, and this moment is what we've always dreamed of. We hope to continue our strong form, especially now as the top doubles players on the WTA Tour.”
The Russian duo hold a 19-5 record in 2018, having advanced to their seventh Grand Slam final at the Australian Open, reaching the finals at the BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells), and lifting their 12th doubles trophy at the Mutua Madrid Open.
“Ekaterina and Elena have earned their place as the WTA World No.1 doubles players due to their hard work and dedication,” said WTA CEO and Chairman Steve Simon. “Congratulations to Ekaterina and Elena on achieving this very special moment in their careers.”
Makarova and Vesnina have enjoyed a glittering career as a team, lifting a total of 12 doubles trophies together, including three Grand Slam titles at 2013 Roland Garros, 2014 US Open and 2017 Wimbledon, as well as the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global title in 2016. In addition, Makarova and Vesnina won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
