NEW YORK, September 9, 2016

Laura Siegemund and Mate Pavic clinched the mixed doubles title of the US Open on Friday afternoon in the Arthur Ashe stadium. In front of about only 500 spectators, the German/Croatian combination defeated seventh seeded US-American combination of Coco Vanderweghe and Rajeev Ram 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 13 minutes.

Siegemund and Pavic teamed up for the first time to celebrate their maiden major title. Earlier the season, the 23-year-old Croat clinched four doubles titles on the ATP World Tour alongside his partner Michael Venus.

For the 28-year-old Germand number two, the year 2016 has been the most succesful in her career. Siegemund captured her first WTA title in Bastad, advanced to her first ATP Premier event in Stuttgart when she finished runner-up to Angelique Kerber, and now crowned her season with a Grand Slam title. She has become the third German player to lift a mixed trophy at a major, following Cilly Aussem and Anna-Lena Grönefeld.

“I can’t believe it at this point. I was so focused on my job that I wasn’t trying to think about the score or where we were. That’s why I looked so surprised at the end and couldn’t believe it was over. I’m just so happy now.” Siegemund told afterwards.

“Mate is a great partner  We had a lot of fun together on as well as off the court. I enjoy that he has a lot of confidence in me.” Both players got to know each other only shortly after the draw ceremony. They will split $150,000 in prize money for their efforts this fortnight.