Xu and Yang Defeat Muhammad and Shibahara, Win Women’s Doubles Title

Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan claimed their maiden doubles team title on Saturday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, topping the American-Japanese duo of Asia Muhammad and Ena Shibahara, 7-5, 7-6(4) in the BNP Paribas Open women’s doubles final.

🏆🏆#IndianWells pic.twitter.com/TbriqGg3f7

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 19, 2022

Xu and Yang, playing in their eleventh event as a team, and making their first appearance at Indian Wells together, rallied from 5-2 down in the opening set, and saved two set points in the second set to claim the 2022 title in Tennis Paradise.

“Just we lost one service game only,” Yang said of the deficit in the opening set. “So we’re just trying to encourage each other and we just focus on the first serves first, and then when we get the chance we try to take one point by point.”

Xu, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, provided exemplary work at the net, often poaching volleys and keeping Shibahara and Muhammad off balance. 

“I’m standing here not just by myself, but my parents and friends and everyone who is watching right now – I’d like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart,” Xu said before hoisting the trophy with her partner. “Without all of you I cannot stand here without your support and encouragement.” 

Dynamic Duo 👯‍♀️

Yifan Xu and Zhaoxuan Yang capture their first Indian Wells title, defeating Muhammad and Shibahara 7-5, 7-6(4) pic.twitter.com/Kxq1vUD8NY

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 19, 2022

Shibahara and Muhammad were playing for the first time as a team after a last-second text message sent to Shibahara by Muhammad sparked the partnership. They upset third-seeded Coco Gauff and Caty McNally in a match tiebreak in the quarterfinals, then defeated No.5-seeded Gabriela Dabwrowski and Giuliana Olmos in the semis. 

Muhammad entered the final on a 27-match winning streak across all levels. The 30-year-old American had won three challenger singles titles and two challenger doubles titles since the start of February. 

“Once you guys got down 5-2 you turned it on and played really, really well, so congrats,” Muhammad said to Xu and Yang on court. 

Xu and Yang have now defeated Shibahara all three times they have faced her on the doubles court. 

Xu wins her eleventh career doubles title, while Yang wins her fifth.