Casey Dellacqua has moved to a career high ranking of five and qualified for the exclusive WTA season ending tournament in Singapore, despite going down in yesterdays US Open doubles final.
The West Aussie and partner Yaroslava Shvedova battled hard but eventually lost 6-3 6-3 to top seeds Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza in just over 70 minutes.
“They’re he best team in the world, they’ve won not only Wimbledon, but Indian Wells and Miami; they’ve won a lot,” Dellacqua said.
“Of course we go out there believing we can win, but when you come up against tough opponents you have to play your best tennis and they didn’t allow us to that.”
While clearly upset after the match, Dellacqua was quick to look at the positives.
A second grand slam final for the year qualifies her and Shvedova for the WTA Finals in Singapore where only the world’s top eight teams take part.
Not bad for a team playing just their seventh tournament together.
“We’ve only played since May as well so even since then I think we’ve come a long way,” Dellacqua said.
“The fact we’ve made Singapore after a handful of tournaments is a pretty good achievement, something to be proud of for us.
“I look forward to the Asian trip and obviously finishing the year in Singapore will be awesome.”
While Shvedova has won a ladies grand slam title, Dellacqua has now been to six finals without success.
But the West Aussie won’t be letting it get her down.
Instead she’ll take it on the chin and continue to work hard.
“I’m OK, honestly. The fact that I can say I’m a six-time Grand Slam finalist is good for me,” Dellacqua said.
“Obviously I’d love to win them … but if I finish my career (like that), I’m OK with that.
“Hopefully one day I’m remembered for being a good competitor, a good player. That’s what’s important to me.’
“It’s about going out there, doing what we do well, and someone’s gotta win, someone’s gotta lose.”
Their next tournament will be in Beijing before tackling Hong Kong.
Listen to Casey Dellacqua’s post match press conference here