American-born identical twins, Kristina & Annika Penickova, play for second grand slam junior title at 2026 US Open
· Yahoo Sports
The Bryan brothers, Mike and Bob, are the legendary doubles tennis twins; however, the next generation has its own set of American-born twins in Kristina and Annika Penickova, who are competing for the US Open girls doubles title on September 12 at 11 AM EDT.
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Born on September 11, 2009, the 17-year old Floridians, born to Czechian parents, have already won a junior Grand Slam at the 2025 Australian Open. With another partner, Kristina won the 2025 Wimbledon Championships. The sisters were also semifinalists at the 2025 French Open.
There is a very distinctive way of telling them apart. Kristina is right-handed, and Annika is left-handed.
MORE: Jubilant Taylor Townsend, Katerina Siniakova make history by winning US Open
Does success in juniors translate?
Playing juniors is not the only direct route to professional success because players may also choose to compete in college in lieu of juniors.
However, we saw a great example at this year’s US Open when the 2021 US Open junior champion team comprised of Robin Montgomery and Ashlyn Krueger, who have not played together since 2023, rode their wildcard entry all the way to the finals. They came up short against the legendary team of Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.
Aug 29, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Ball persons ready the balls prior to the Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) vs. Luciano Darderi (ITA) match on day six of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Another recent success is Filipina star Alexandra Eala who won junior Grand Slam singles and doubles titles.
MORE: Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka will meet in their third Grand Slam final at 2026 US Open
We need a powerhouse American women’s doubles team
Not since the Williams sisters, have we had a powerhouse all-American women’s doubles team. American women have succeeded in doubles, but often with partners from other countries.
Young players, like Caty McNally and Coco Gauff, form doubles teams early in their careers before dropping doubles to concentrate on singles or pair with other partners.
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