What Is 2006 Toray Pan Pacific Open - Doubles

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 Toray Pan Pacific Open – Doubles was won by Japanese duo Ai Sugiyama and Katarina Srebotnik, who defeated Cara Black and Liezel Huber 6–4, 7–5 in the final on February 11, 2006, in Tokyo.

Key Facts

Ai Sugiyama and Katarina Srebotnik won the 2006 doubles title with a 6–4, 7–5 victory
Final match took place on February 11, 2006, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium
Unseeded pair defeated top-seeded team of Cara Black and Liezel Huber
Tournament was part of the WTA Tier I series with a prize purse of $650,000
This was Sugiyama’s second doubles title at the Pan Pacific Open

Overview

The 2006 Toray Pan Pacific Open – Doubles was a premier women's tennis doubles competition held as part of the WTA Tour’s Tier I events. Taking place in Tokyo, Japan, from January 30 to February 11, 2006, the tournament attracted top international doubles teams competing for ranking points and a share of the $650,000 prize purse.

Ultimately, the Japanese-Slovenian pair of Ai Sugiyama and Katarina Srebotnik emerged victorious, defeating the top-seeded duo Cara Black and Liezel Huber in the final. Their win marked a significant achievement in home soil, especially given the high level of competition from globally ranked teams.

Champions: Ai Sugiyama and Katarina Srebotnik claimed the title by winning the final 6–4, 7–5 on February 11, 2006.
Final opponents: The top-seeded team of Cara Black and Liezel Huber were defeated despite their strong form throughout the tournament.
Tournament level: Classified as a WTA Tier I event, the Pan Pacific Open offered 285 ranking points to the winning doubles pair.
Location: Matches were held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, a historic venue for Japanese tennis events.
Historical context: This win marked Sugiyama’s second doubles title at the Pan Pacific Open, having previously won in 2003 with different partners.

Match Structure and Format

The doubles competition followed standard WTA doubles rules, including best-of-three sets with a match tiebreak replacing the third set in some early rounds. The structure allowed for 16 teams in the main draw, with seeding based on combined rankings.

Draw size: The tournament featured a 16-team draw, with eight seeded pairs receiving first-round byes.
Sets format: Matches were played as best-of-three sets, with a 12-point match tiebreak used in place of a full third set.
Seeding: Top seeds Cara Black and Liezel Huber entered as favorites due to their world No. 1 ranking in doubles.
Duration: The doubles event spanned six days, beginning on February 5 and culminating in the final on February 11.
Surface: Played on indoor hard courts, the surface favored aggressive net play and consistent baseline rallies.
Scoring: Standard tennis scoring applied, with games won by the first to four points and sets requiring a two-game lead.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2006 doubles champions against prior years’ winners in key performance metrics:

Year	Champions	Final Score	Opponents	Duration (Days)
2006	Ai Sugiyama / Katarina Srebotnik	6–4, 7–5	Black / Huber	6
2005	Virginia Ruano Pascual / Paola Suárez	6–3, 6–4	Black / Navratilova	6
2004	Black / Navratilova	6–3, 6–4	Huber / Nadal	6
2003	Ai Sugiyama / Kim Clijsters	6–4, 6–4	Black / Likhovtseva	6
2002	Black / Likhovtseva	6–2, 6–4	McNeil / Sugiyama	6

The 2006 final was notable for its tighter scoreline compared to previous years, indicating a more competitive match. Sugiyama and Srebotnik’s victory over the top seeds also marked a shift in momentum, as underdogs claimed the title despite lower seeding. The consistency in tournament duration and format across years highlights the event’s stability within the WTA calendar.

Why It Matters

The 2006 Toray Pan Pacific Open – Doubles had lasting implications for player rankings, national pride, and the trajectory of women’s doubles tennis. As a Tier I event, it significantly influenced WTA rankings and provided crucial preparation for the upcoming Grand Slam season.

Ranking boost: The win earned Sugiyama and Srebotnik 285 WTA points, elevating their positions in the doubles rankings.
Home success: Sugiyama’s victory was celebrated in Japan, inspiring local interest in women’s tennis and youth participation.
Partnership impact: The win strengthened the Sugiyama-Srebotnik partnership, leading to further collaborations in 2006.
Upset significance: Defeating the top seeds demonstrated that consistent teamwork could overcome individual rankings.
Tournament prestige: The Pan Pacific Open remains a key Asian stop on the WTA Tour, enhancing regional visibility.
Legacy: Sugiyama became one of the few players to win the event multiple times, cementing her legacy in Japanese tennis.

Ultimately, the 2006 doubles final exemplified the competitive spirit and international appeal of women’s tennis, reinforcing the importance of team dynamics and strategic play on the global stage.