Hunter’s Wuhan triumph marks injury-forged comeback
Nearly a year after an Achilles rupture derailed her ascent, Storm Hunter rekindled her doubles prowess in China, partnering Katerina Siniakova to a commanding title that blends tactical sharpness with raw emotional release.
On the illuminated hard courts of Wuhan, where the October air carried a crisp edge and the crowd’s murmurs built like a gathering storm, Storm Hunter stepped back into the spotlight she once commanded. The Australian, who had scaled to world No. 1 in doubles just months before her April 2024 Achilles tear during Billie Jean King Cup practice, endured a grueling 12-month recovery that plunged her ranking to No. 1502. Now, in this WTA 1000 event, she reached out to former partner Katerina Siniakova after 19 months apart, their reunion transforming tentative progress into a surge of dominance that echoed their shared past glories.
Reunion sparks immediate court chemistry
Their partnership clicked from the opening match, a 6-1, 6-0 demolition of Jessica Pegula and Ashlyn Krueger, where Hunter’s deep crosscourt serves set up Siniakova’s inside-out forehand approaches, forcing errors on the medium-fast surface. Hunter, still honing her post-surgery movement, relied on Siniakova’s net instincts to cover ground, their one–two patterns—serve followed by aggressive poach—keeping rallies brisk and opponents pinned. This synergy eased the psychological strain of Hunter’s winless return, the Czech’s presence a steady anchor amid the Wuhan’s consistent bounce that amplified their precision.
A quarterfinal walkover against Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova preserved their energy, but the semifinal against Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls tested their resolve, dropping just three games in the second set through down-the-line passes that sliced through defensive lobs. The duo’s familiarity, honed from prior WTA 1000 finals like Indian Wells, allowed Hunter to inject underspin slices that disrupted rhythms, while Siniakova varied pace with drop shots to exploit the court’s grip. As the week unfolded, the atmosphere thickened with local fans’ cheers, their energy fueling Hunter’s growing confidence after months of solitary rehab battles.
“Thank you, Kat, for saying yes to playing with me,” Hunter said during the trophy presentation. “I was really happy to play together again after such a long time. You’re an amazing player. You’re world No. 1 for a reason, but also a good friend. I had so much fun on the court with you this week, so thank you for saying yes. I can’t believe we won the title.”
Last year @stormsanders94 suffered a serious injury and missed 13 months of tennis 🤕
Today she won her first title back after returning to the game ❤️#WuhanOpen pic.twitter.com/6iBFH9I77i— wta (@WTA) October 12, 2025
Final breaks early, surges to title
In the championship clash against Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic, Hunter and Siniakova struck first, breaking at 2-1 in the opening set with crosscourt volleys that pinned the runners-up deep, claiming the frame in just over 30 minutes. Danilina, defending her previous year’s crown, and Krunic rallied briefly to lead 2-0 in the second, but the favorites countered fiercely, reeling off six straight games through inside-in backhands and net rushes that turned the hard court’s speed into their weapon. The 6-3, 6-2 victory, wrapped in 69 minutes under the stadium lights, showcased Hunter’s tactical patience in extended points, her improved lateral shifts preventing any prolonged threats.
This marked Hunter’s first title since her return, her ninth WTA doubles crown including five at the 1000 level, building on her 2022 US Open mixed doubles win with John Peers and a 2023 Wimbledon final alongside Mertens. For Siniakova, it added a second WTA 1000 of the season after Dubai with Taylor Townsend, her fourth overall in 2025, extending her haul to 32 doubles titles with 10 Grand Slams and six 1000s, plus a Wimbledon mixed crown with Sem Verbeek and Olympic golds. Her affinity for Chinese hard courts deepened here, securing a third doubles title and two singles successes, including 2023 in Wuhan, where she tallied 18 singles wins over three years—second only to Coco Gauff’s 21.
“I love coming back here,” Siniakova said during the trophy presentation. “I do a great job here, so I really enjoy it every time. Thank you to everyone who makes it feel like home.”
Hunter dedicated the moment to her inner circle, crediting her husband, coach, physio, fitness trainer, and family for navigating the 13 months of hardship. “Thank you to my husband and my team back home -- my coach, physio, fitness trainer and my family,” she added. “Last year was a really hard time for me, and they helped me day by day through some hard moments. This win is for them as much as it’s for me. Thank you for believing in me, pushing me and supporting me. I wouldn’t be here without you.”
The triumph propels Hunter to No. 39 in Monday’s rankings, a vault from outside the top 1500, while Danilina slips to No. 13 and Krunic climbs to a career-high No. 23. Siniakova widens her world No. 1 lead over Townsend to nearly 800 points, clinching their WTA Finals berth in Riyadh this November. As the Wuhan crowd’s applause lingered, Hunter’s gaze toward the horizon hinted at more breakthroughs, her game now laced with the freedom of reclaimed momentum on the tour’s demanding hard-court stretch.
Wuhan doubles title sealed @stormsanders94/@K_Siniakova get it done 6-3, 6-2 against Danilina/Krunic #WuhanOpen pic.twitter.com/N0fp2JaYFR — wta (@WTA) October 12, 2025
