September 10, (THEWILL) – Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealander Erin Routliffe clinched the US Open women’s doubles title on Sunday, defeating former champions Laura Siegemund of Germany and Russia’s Vera Zvonareva in a tight two-set match.
The first-time pairing of Dabrowski and Routliffe saved eight of nine break points faced and persevered through a dramatic opening set tiebreaker to ultimately prevail 7-6(9) 6-3 after a 2 hour, 14-minute battle. It marked Routliffe’s maiden Grand Slam title but a third for Dabrowski.
The opening set required a tense tiebreaker after neither pairing could convert break chances. Dabrowski and Routliffe raced to a 4-0 lead but Siegemund and Zvonareva fought back to 4-4 and earned two set points. However, the Canadian-Kiwi duo clinched it on their fourth opportunity.
Carrying momentum, Dabrowski and Routliffe snared an early double break to lead 3-0 in the second set. They maintained the advantage and sealed victory on their third championship point, breaking serve once more.
“I’m really proud of how we’ve stood by each other these past two weeks,” said Dabrowski, thanking Routliffe for pairing up last month. Routliffe expressed gratitude to Dabrowski for the opportunity, saying she was hopeful for more success together with Dabrowski.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
