Dabrowski becomes 1st Canadian to win WTA Finals title, securing doubles triumph with Routliffe
Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski has once again etched her name in Canadian tennis history by clinching the WTA Finals title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Teaming up with Erin Routliffe of New Zealand, Dabrowski secured a convincing victory over Czech Katerina Siniakova and American Taylor Townsend with a score of 7-5, 6-3.
At 32 years old, Dabrowski became the first Canadian to claim a title at the prestigious WTA Finals, which feature the top eight doubles teams and singles players in the world. The dynamic duo of Dabrowski and Routliffe have already amassed a total of $1.125 million in prize money, with their latest triumph adding $520,000 to their earnings.
This victory adds to Dabrowski’s impressive list of accomplishments, which includes a mixed doubles bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime and a Billie Jean King Cup team tournament win with Canada in 2023. She has also conquered three of the four Grand Slam tournaments, winning the French Open mixed doubles title in 2017, the Australian Open mixed doubles title in 2018, and the U.S. Open women’s doubles title in 2023.
In the singles semifinals, rising star Coco Gauff delivered a stunning upset by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-3. Gauff’s victory sets up a thrilling final showdown against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, who secured her spot by defeating Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Zheng, who has been on a remarkable winning streak since Wimbledon, showcased her dominance by dispatching Krejcikova in straight sets. With nine aces and a tireless performance, Zheng booked her place in the final in her first appearance at the WTA Finals.
Overall, the WTA Finals in Riyadh showcased the incredible talent and determination of these exceptional athletes, with Dabrowski and Routliffe emerging as deserving champions. Their triumphs on the court serve as a testament to their skill, hard work, and unwavering dedication to the sport of tennis.
