Lulu Sun and Erin Routliffe have each created unforgettable Grand Slam success already, but their immediate task is figuring out just what their new doubles identity is.
They've only played together in one tournament, the Billy Jean Cup in April, and they've only spent two days together in the build-up to their opening match in Paris.
But as the two approached media today for their first Olympic scheduled press conference — rackets in hand, grinning to each other — you could already see a synergy between the duo.
"We're literally spending every waking moment together," laughed Routliffe. "It's true!
"We're roommates. The beds are like three feet apart from each other. We practice together, we eat together. I think when you spend that much time with somebody you get to know them pretty quickly."
Routliffe and Sun agree while their on-court connection is important, it's their relationship off it that will make the difference in becoming successful at the Paris Games.
1News tested the duo's relationship — quizzing them on their favourite meals.
Sun's is noodles. Routliffe's is French cheese with a baguette.
"Every day, one of us will get bread and the other one will get cheese. We'll share a little cheese plate before our meal so that we're bonding over that!" said Routliffe.
The duo are against the clock in needing to get to know each other well in order to succeed at the Olympic Games and try replicate the bronze medal win Michael Venus and Marcus Daniels achieved at the Tokyo Games.
But their individual form shouldn't be an issue. Sun is hot off her Wimbledon breakthrough – becoming the first Kiwi women's singles player to reach a quarterfinal at the All England Club.
"It definitely gave my game a lot of confidence because you know, playing those top players at the highest level is something a lot of athletes, well they dream to be there, at that stage!
"For me competing match after match gave me a really good boost," said Sun.
As for Routliffe she is currently the world number one women's doubles player, having become the first female Kiwi in 44 years to win a Grand Slam title when she and Canadian teammate Gaby Dabrowski won the US Open last year.
"We'll get to know each other even more and we can figure out our identity on court," said Routliffe.
"I'm obviously doubles-focused and she's more singles-focused, but she's obviously a very good tennis player so, you know, there's probably going to be like a leader-student situation," laughed Routliffe. "But she's a good listener!"
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