Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina’s doubles debut impressed as the pair won their first match together in Washington.
Raducanu and Rybakina struggled in their Washington debut, but they managed to set up a second-round clash with Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi.
Both players are using the tournament to play themselves into form after disappointing third round exits at Wimbledon.
However, the newfound partnership could eventually end up being a burden should they continue to succeed in the singles.
Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina could meet in the Washington Open final
Rybakina made it into the quarter-finals of the Washington Open with a win over wild card Victoria Mboko.
Raducanu, meanwhile, will not play a seeded player in the tournament until the semi-finals at the earliest as she plays wild card Naomi Osaka in the second round.
Maria Sakkari awaits Raducanu, should the British star beat the American, after the Greek toppled second seed Emma Navarro in Washington.
The draw is now wide open, which could mean the doubles pair could line up against each other in the final.
That would be an awkward encounter considering how well accustomed the pair have come with each other throughout the week.
Elena Rybakina praises Emma Raducanu for doubles run
Rybakina has heaped praise on her new doubles partner and suggested she’s helping her in the singles competition.
“She’s really nice girl. It was a lot of fun,” said the former Wimbledon champion after their first match together.
“I’m happy that I played doubles, and I think it’s good as a practice, preparation for singles,” added Rybakina. “So it was fun, and yeah, hopefully we can play a bit more in the future too.”
The Grand Slam winning pair play will set up a clash with Zhang Shuai and Taylor Townsend if they get through their second round match.