Australian Open 2023 | Shuko Aoyama’s ‘sad’ emotional speech after women’s doubles final loss
Japanese doubles ace Shuko Aoyama has broken down after her women’s doubles final loss at the Australian Open with partner Ena Shibahara.
The pair were beaten in straight sets by top seeds and defending champions Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 6-3.
In his Rod Laver Arena speech, Aoyama said the duo “tried to fight until the end”.
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“It’s amazing to play [with you]”, she said to Shibahara. “We tried to do our best, but I’m a little sad.
“Thanks to my team. I couldn’t win today but thank you so much for bringing me here,” she added.
“Thank you to my coach for everything you have done for me. I am so happy to be playing well here. I will try to come back next year.
“I’m so happy to play the final… thank you very much.”
The Japanese pair were never really on the hunt – they were beaten in the first game of the game and never went ahead.
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They looked to make it a game in the second set, however – battling back from 2-0 up to return to serve, before capitulating to lose 6-3.
Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova have now won four of the last five Grand Slams and are reigning Olympic champions.
“Well they showed why they are so dominant,” Jelena Dokic said while covering Nine.
“They’re the most consistent pair. Very hard to beat, very hard to pass, very hard to find a weakness.”
They are also 7-1 in their eight Grand Slam doubles finals.
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