Kudermetova and Mertens win women's doubles final at Wimbledon

LONDON (AP) — Veronika Kudermetova secured her first Grand Slam title by teaming up with Elise Mertens to win the women's doubles final at Wimbledon on Sunday, rallying to beat Hsieh Su-Wei and Jelena Ostapenko 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Centre Court.

Kudermetova and Mertens were on opposite sides in the final in 2021 but were playing at Wimbledon together for the first time this year. They trailed 4-2 in the third set but won the last four games to seal the comeback.

It is Mertens' fifth Grand Slam doubles title, and second at Wimbledon. In 2021, she teamed up with Hsieh to win a marathon final where they saved two match points against Kudermetova and Elena Vesnina.

“I lost that final and it was so painful," Kudermetova said. "Today I said to myself, I really want it. And it's mine now."

Hsieh has won the Wimbledon doubles title four times with three different partners.

Ostapenko won the 2017 French Open singles title and was looking for a second major doubles title after winning the U.S. Open last year with Lyudmyla Kichenok.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Veronika Kudermetova of Russia,right, and Elise Mertens of Belgium celebrate with the trophies after winning against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, second left, and Su-Weih Hsieh of Taiwan their women's doubles final match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Sunday, July 13, 2025.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Russia's Veronika Kudermetova, right, and Elise Mertens of Belgium react as they win the second set against Su-Wei Hsieh of Taiwan and Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko during the women's doubles final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Russia's Veronika Kudermetova, left, and Elise Mertens of Belgium celebrate after beating Su-Wei Hsieh of Taiwan and Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko to win the women's doubles final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Veronika Kudermetova of Russia, left, and Elise Mertens of Belgium return to Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and Su-Weih Hsieh of Taiwan during the women's doubles final match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Sunday, July 13, 2025.(AP Photo/Joanna Chan)

Veronika Kudermetova of Russia,right, and Elise Mertens of Belgium celebrate with the trophies after winning against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and Su-Weih Hsieh of Taiwan their women's doubles final match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Sunday, July 13, 2025.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)