Oh yeah. Doubles!
First, let us stop for a second and give it up for the awesomeness that is in that picture. Stubbsy, Vania and Shveddy, Kata, Flavia, it's all gravy (and yes, I left out some names intentionally). I honestly have no idea who I'm rooting for here. Rumor has it that this will be Stubbsy's last YEC and that she'll retire after AO11. So you have to want Stubbsy to go out on top, right?
But what about Vania and Shveddy! The picked up two Slam trophies this year and always look like they have so much fun together. And remember Vania's speech at the USO about almost retiring? What's not to love there?
And then there's Kata! I never get to see her, she's awesome as all get out, and I just think she should win at life. That's a pretty strong rooting interest for me.
But of course, who can forget Flavi and Gisela. They've won a crapload of titles all year, they have a joint Twitter account, and we can all agree that at least when it comes to Flavi, you root against her at your peril.
So given all those great options, here's my rationale:
Flavi and Gisela: You guys have won so much this year. And Flavi, you've got Fed Cup in a week, too. I mean, if I root for you I kind of feel like I'm rooting for Warren Buffett to make more money. That seems odd.
Kata and Kveta: I think I need a more compelling storyline than just "I like Kata!" Besides, you guys beat Nads and Sam at Indian Wells. That kind of sucked. And Kata, you won mixed dubs with Nenad at Roland Garros. So you've got some solid hardware on the year.
Stubbsy/RayRay: I want this for you, Stubbsy. I really do. I want you to go out a champ. You've been sitting courtside during Sam's matches, you're fun to watch, and you can drink yourself a lot of Molly Dooker wine. But Lisa's holding you back, not so much on the court as in my heart. I just can't set it aside. Sorry. Also, you never really look like you're having much fun with her. That's a dealbreaker, ladies.
Vania/Shveddy: It's weird. You guys are the ones with the two Slam titles and yet I feel like you're kind of the underdog. Vania, you just got shafted by MJ for Fed Cup. That blows. And while rooting for Flavi and Gisela felt like rooting for Warren Buffett, I feel like rooting for you guys is like rooting for that dude in the cheap suit who walks up to the craps table with his last $100 and starts getting on a hot streak. I mean, you never root against that guy. You actually want to see if he can keep that hot streak going. So yes, I choose you guys.
You're also Rafa approved and you seem to know Sergey. This just feels right.
So there it is. The format for the dubs championship is single elimination. Here's the draw:
- Flavia/Gisela vs. Vania/Shveddy
- Stubbsy/RayRay vs. Kata/Kveta
Play begins Saturday. Go tennis.
Editor's note: This is officially the longest fucking post ever written on the subject of doubles ever.
(Pics: Getty, AP)
