What Is 2000 Toray Pan Pacific Open - Doubles
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Last updated: April 15, 2026
Key Facts
- Tournament held from January 31 to February 6, 2000 in Tokyo, Japan
- Lisa Raymond and Rennae Stubbs won the doubles title
- Final score: 6–3, 6–7(5), 7–5
- Defeated opponents: Kimberly Po and Nicole Pratt
- Event was part of the WTA Tier I Series
Overview
The 2000 Toray Pan Pacific Open – Doubles was a premier women's professional tennis doubles competition held as part of the WTA Tour. Taking place in Tokyo, Japan, the event attracted top international doubles teams competing for ranking points and prize money during the early part of the tennis season.
This edition marked the 17th iteration of the tournament, which has long been a staple of the WTA calendar. Played on indoor hard courts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the doubles draw featured 16 teams competing in a single-elimination format over six days.
- Location: The tournament was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, a venue known for its fast indoor hard courts that favor aggressive baseline play and strong net transitions.
- Dates: The doubles event ran from January 31 to February 6, 2000, aligning with the main singles draw and concluding just before the start of the spring hard court season.
- Winners: Lisa Raymond of the United States and Rennae Stubbs of Australia claimed the title, marking one of their earliest major successes as a team on the WTA Tour.
- Final Match: The championship match ended with a score of 6–3, 6–7(5), 7–5 in favor of Raymond and Stubbs, showcasing their resilience after losing the second-set tiebreak.
- Opponents: They defeated the American-Australian pairing of Kimberly Po and Nicole Pratt, who were strong contenders but fell short in a tightly contested final.
How It Works
The structure of the Toray Pan Pacific Open doubles competition followed standard WTA doubles tournament protocols, with seeding, draws, and match formats designed to ensure competitive balance and viewer engagement.
- Format: The doubles draw consisted of 16 teams, with eight seeded pairs receiving first-round byes. Matches were played in the best-of-three sets format, including a match tiebreak in lieu of a third set if needed.
- Court Surface: Played on indoor Rebound Ace hard courts, the surface influenced ball speed and bounce, favoring players with strong serves and consistent groundstrokes.
- Seeding: Top seeds Lisa Raymond and Rennae Stubbs were ranked among the world’s top 10 in doubles, earning their position based on year-end 1999 rankings and prior performance.
- Scoring Rules: Standard WTA rules applied, including no-ad scoring and best-of-three sets; the final set was replaced by a 10-point match tiebreak in earlier rounds, though the final used a full third set.
- Prize Money: The winning team earned $27,000 in prize money, part of a total doubles purse of $108,000, reflecting the tournament’s Tier I status on the WTA calendar.
- Ranking Points: The champions received 290 WTA ranking points, crucial for year-end standings and qualification for year-end championships.
Comparison at a Glance
Below is a comparison of the 2000 Toray Pan Pacific Open doubles event with other major WTA doubles tournaments of the same year:
| Tournament | Location | Surface | Prize Money (Doubles) | Champions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Toray Pan Pacific Open | Tokyo, Japan | Indoor Hard | $108,000 | Raymond / Stubbs |
| 2000 Australian Open | Melbourne, Australia | Outdoor Hard | $180,000 | Hingis / Kournikova |
| 2000 Indian Wells | California, USA | Outdoor Hard | $90,000 | Huber / Likhovtseva |
| 2000 French Open | Paris, France | Clay | $160,000 | McEnroe / N. Zvereva |
| 2000 Wimbledon | London, UK | Grass | $170,000 | Huber / Likhovtseva |
The Toray Pan Pacific Open ranked among the top-tier WTA events in terms of prize money and prestige, though Grand Slams offered higher rewards. Its indoor hard court setup made it a key preparatory event for the Australian Open, which concluded just days after.
Why It Matters
The 2000 Toray Pan Pacific Open – Doubles had lasting significance in the careers of its participants and the broader context of women’s tennis doubles competition. It highlighted the growing professionalism and global reach of the WTA Tour at the turn of the millennium.
- Career Momentum: The win boosted Lisa Raymond and Rennae Stubbs’ reputation as a formidable doubles team, leading to multiple Grand Slam titles in the following years.
- Tournament Prestige: As a WTA Tier I event, it attracted top players and contributed significantly to the competitive depth of the early-season calendar.
- Global Exposure: Broadcast across Asia and North America, the tournament increased visibility for women’s tennis in emerging markets.
- Historical Context: This edition occurred during a transitional era when doubles was gaining more structured rankings and dedicated fan interest.
- Player Development: For younger or lower-ranked teams, competing against elites like Raymond and Stubbs provided invaluable experience and ranking opportunities.
- Sponsorship Model: Toray Industries’ long-term sponsorship demonstrated corporate investment in women’s sports, setting a benchmark for other brands.
The 2000 event remains a notable chapter in WTA history, reflecting the sport’s evolution and the increasing competitiveness of doubles tennis at the highest level.
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Sources
- WikipediaCC-BY-SA-4.0
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