What Is 2013 Toray Pan Pacific Open - Doubles

Overview

The 2013 Toray Pan Pacific Open – Doubles was a prominent women's tennis event held as part of the WTA Premier tournament in Tokyo, Japan. The competition featured top international doubles teams competing on outdoor hard courts at the Ariake Coliseum.

Alisa Kleybanova of Russia and Alla Kudryavtseva, also from Russia, emerged as champions after a dominant performance in the final. Their victory marked a significant milestone in both players' careers, especially as they entered the tournament without a prior WTA title as a pair.

• Winners: Alisa Kleybanova and Alla Kudryavtseva won the title by defeating Caroline Garcia and Aurélie Védy in straight sets, 6–2, 6–1.
• Date: The final match took place on September 21, 2013, concluding a week-long tournament that began on September 16.
• Location: The event was hosted at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan, a venue known for its fast outdoor hard courts.
• Surface: Matches were played on outdoor hard courts, which influenced player movement and ball bounce throughout the competition.
• Seeding: The Russian pair was unseeded, making their championship run a notable underdog achievement.

How It Works

The Toray Pan Pacific Open doubles format follows standard WTA Premier rules, with 16 teams competing in a single-elimination bracket over six days. Matches are best-of-three sets, with tiebreaks used in each set if games reach 6–6.

• Format: The doubles draw included 16 teams, with eight seeded pairs receiving first-round byes based on WTA rankings.
• Scoring: Each match used standard tennis scoring, with a tiebreak at 6–6 in all sets, including the third if applicable.
• Duration: The tournament lasted six days, from September 16 to 21, with doubles matches scheduled alongside singles.
• Participation: Entry was determined by WTA rankings, with wild cards granted to select Japanese and international pairs.
• Prize Money: The doubles champions earned $34,000 from a total prize pool of $780,000, reflecting WTA Premier standards.
• Rankings: Points awarded to finalists contributed to WTA rankings, with winners receiving 280 points.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2013 Toray Pan Pacific Open – Doubles with similar WTA events in terms of prize money, surface, and ranking points.

While the Toray Pan Pacific Open offered fewer ranking points and prize money than larger Premier Mandatory events, it remained a key stop in the Asian swing, attracting strong doubles fields due to its timing and prestige.

Why It Matters

The 2013 doubles title had lasting implications for player development and regional interest in women’s tennis, particularly in Asia. The tournament highlighted emerging partnerships and provided momentum for players returning from injury or lower rankings.

• Breakthrough: Kleybanova and Kudryavtseva’s win was their first WTA title together, boosting their confidence and future entries.
• Regional Impact: The event strengthened Japan’s role as a hub for WTA events, especially following the tournament’s long-standing sponsorship by Toray Industries.
• Player Comeback: Kleybanova was returning from chemotherapy treatment for cancer, making her victory emotionally significant.
• Path to Championships: Success here helped players gain entry into Grand Slam events by improving their rankings and visibility.
• Exposure: The tournament was broadcast internationally, increasing visibility for doubles specialists often overshadowed by singles stars.
• Legacy: The 2013 edition was one of the last held in Tokyo before the event moved to Osaka in later years.

The 2013 Toray Pan Pacific Open – Doubles remains a memorable chapter in WTA history, combining athletic achievement with personal resilience and regional significance.