Vancouver’s Alexandra Vagramov gave the home fans reason to celebrate on Friday night, capturing the Odlum Brown VanOpen women’s doubles title alongside American partner Caroline Dolehide. The unseeded pair rallied past the second-seeded American duo of Anna Rogers and Allura Zamarripa in a tense 6-1, 3-6, [10-6] match tiebreaker in front of a packed Centre Court.

For Vagramov, the victory represents an ultimate full-circle milestone. She is from Port Moody, BC and grew up playing on courts across the Lower Mainland – including Hollyburn Country Club – and even served as a ball crew member at the Odlum Brown VanOpen in her youth before returning to lift the trophy as a champion.

Playing with that local momentum, Dolehide and Vagramov struck first by taking a clean opening set before Rogers and Zamarripa mounted a sharp second-set response to force the decider. In the high-stakes 10-point tiebreaker, Dolehide and Vagramov regained their composure, relying on clutch serving and defence to lock down the victory in 76 minutes.

The key to victory lay in the pair’s poise under pressure. Dolehide and Vagramov won 72 percent of their second-serve points and turned away six of the seven break points they faced throughout the night.

“I think we played with a lot of heart,” Vagramov said after the win. “I think it just came down to that, honestly. We really just went after it and that made the difference.”

Dolehide credited their off-court rapport for their seamless play throughout the week. “The team bonding for sure,” Dolehide noted. “Getting to know each other a little bit better off the court really helped. Playing with a hometown girl makes a difference.”

For Vagramov, sharing the moment with familiar faces in the stands made the victory unforgettable. “It’s so special, it means everything, and it’s just such an amazing full circle moment for me,” Vagramov added. “I’m so happy that tennis is back in Vancouver and I hope to see (everyone) back next year.”

Photo credit: Bo Mon Kwan