However, Ostapenko and Yastremska started the second set much more brightly, taking a 3-0 lead as they used the court space cleverly, bisecting their opponents – but the Americans were not shaken as Mattek-Sands promptly held her serve to 15 to get on the board, and they then won three games in succession to edge in front again.

LOOK: Beijing champions – From Kuznetsova to Wozniacki

The score stayed close from there, and the second set was concluded with a tiebreak, which Ostapenko and Yastremska took 7-5, with the former French Open champion’s backhand proving crucial.

The deciding tiebreak itself was just as close as could have been anticipated, with both pairs staying level until the Americans made a sprint for the line, taking a 9-6 lead, and they sealed victory when Yastremska returned Kenin’s serve long,