Dabrowski, Routliffe outlast Italy’s Errani, Paolini for 2nd victory at WTA Finals
Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe continue to dominate in women’s doubles at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The dynamic duo, who claimed the 2023 U.S. Open title, maintained their unbeaten streak by defeating fourth-seeded Italians Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling match on Tuesday.
Despite a slow start that saw them lose the first set in just 22 minutes, Dabrowski and Routliffe rallied back in spectacular fashion. They managed to break Errani’s serve three times in the second set, ultimately forcing a tiebreak. With Routliffe saving a crucial match point on her serve and Dabrowski sealing the victory with a decisive shot, the duo emerged victorious in a tense super-tiebreak.
Seeded second at the prestigious event, Dabrowski and Routliffe are now on track to secure a spot in the semifinals. Their next challenge will come against fifth-seeded Americans Caroline Dolehide and Desirae Krawczyk on Thursday. A win in this upcoming match would solidify their position as one of the top contenders in the tournament.
The WTA Finals in Riyadh showcases the elite talent of the top eight women’s doubles teams on the tour. With the final scheduled for Saturday, Dabrowski and Routliffe are determined to maintain their winning momentum and claim the coveted title.
In other tennis news, Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the ATP Finals in Turin due to an unspecified injury. The Serbian star, who boasts a remarkable 37-9 win-loss record this season, expressed his disappointment in missing the year-end tournament where he has previously secured seven titles. Djokovic’s absence opens up opportunities for other top players, including current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, to make their mark in the competition.
Additionally, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and its team tournaments, the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup, are making a charitable contribution to support relief efforts for the recent catastrophic flooding in Spain. The ITF’s donation to the Spanish Red Cross aims to aid the communities and families affected by the devastating floods in the country. As the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup finals approach in Malaga, the tennis community stands in solidarity with the victims of the natural disaster.
As the tennis season nears its conclusion, fans can expect exciting matches and heartfelt gestures of support from the players and organizations within the sport. Stay tuned for more updates on the WTA Finals, ATP Finals, and the charitable initiatives driving positive change in the world of tennis.
