NEW YORK — There was loads of uncertainty surrounding Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik’s run to the 2026 US Open combined doubles title, which they clinched with a 6-3, 1-6, [10-6] win over No. 4 seeds Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli on Arthur Ashe Stadium late Wednesday evening.
Would Mensik increase his rating sufficient to earn them a assured spot? If not, would the Czech duo obtain a wild card? And above all, what would they put on in the event that they acquired in?
In the long run, the solutions had been no, sure and matching pink shirts with maroon shorts — a glance that made them finest dressed in addition to champions.
“My favourite coloration proper now’s pink and maroon, that is for certain,” Mensik stated of their post-match press convention.
Stated Muchova: “I feel I [also] must say that my favourite is maroon. Now that Jakub is aware of what it means, it is the favourite coloration for each of us.”
The red-adjacent coloration appreciation is sweet, however the trophy — and the $1 million prize — seemingly tops it. And it means much more contemplating how they gained it, enjoying back-to-back matches with no relaxation whereas their finals opponents had almost two hours to get well.
Again-to-back breakers
Muchova and Mensik narrowly escaped defeat within the semis, saving two match factors and surviving a match tiebreak in opposition to Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev simply to achieve the ultimate. That comeback — and the adrenaline that got here with it — appeared to hold straight into the championship match.
They pressured Bencic and Cobolli early, producing three break factors within the second sport. They could not convert, however broke two video games later for 3-1 and served out the set from there.
Bencic and Cobolli recovered rapidly, operating away with the second set to drive a match tiebreak. Because it did within the semifinal, Mensik’s serve delivered within the greatest moments, and he sealed the title with an ace.
Event in overview
Muchova was decided to make the partnership work.
“I actually wished to play with him,” she stated. “Clearly the rating was the deciding level as a result of the minimize for these combined doubles could be very excessive. I put somewhat stress on him, however in a enjoyable manner. It labored. I am pleased we managed to get in and that we’re right here now.”
On paper, they possessed the instruments wanted to be a powerful crew. They usually proved it instantly on court docket, defeating doubles specialists Kristina Mladenovic and Marcelo Arevalo — homeowners of 13 mixed Grand Slam titles — within the first spherical.
It was Mensik’s first combined doubles match since he was no less than 9 years outdated, he stated.
“It sounds loopy, huh,” Mensik stated. ” My first combined doubles, 100%-win charge, so I’ll end my profession, I suppose,” he added with a smile.
“It was a enjoyable occasion. We went on the market to have some enjoyable, to get a pair matches earlier than the principle draw. We truly performed fairly properly. It was beginning to [become] the actual deal. Clearly [having] gone this far, each of us are very pleased we may elevate the trophy.”
Throughout 4 matches — together with a quarterfinal win over Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul — they gained 85% of their first-serve factors. They hit 13 aces between the semis and the ultimate.
Reaching new heights
The accomplishment hasn’t totally sunk in for Muchova. However make no mistake: whereas opinions could also be combined on the brand new format, it’ll go down as a primary Grand Slam title for each gamers.
“I feel I am not even realizing it but. We’re each singles gamers, in order that’s at all times in my head,” she stated. “I am tremendous pleased we managed to win. It was not my expectation. I feel we’ll have a good time somewhat bit and have some days off. I am glad we did this collectively.”
For Muchova, it is the newest spotlight in a standout 2026 season. She gained her first WTA 1000 title in Doha in February — her first trophy in seven years — then added her third WTA Tour Pushed by Mercedes-Benz title in Unhealthy Homburg in June. She reached her second Grand Slam remaining at Wimbledon in July, falling to compatriot Linda Noskova in three units, and now owns a US Open combined doubles crown.
For Mensik, the title sits alongside his win over Novak Djokovic to say the 2025 Miami Open title and his 2026 Roland Garros semifinal as the most important achievements of his younger profession.
