Erin Routliffe (L) and Gabriela Dabrowski (R) after winning the women's doubles final at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Photo: AFP
Erin Routliffe has made more tennis history for New Zealand and grabbed a lucrative payday by clinching the women's doubles title at the WTA Finals tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Routliffe and Canadian partner Gaby Dabrowski marched to an emphatic victory in the final in Riyadh, beatig Taylor Townsend of the United States and the Czech Republic's Katerina Siniakova 7-5 6-3.
It completed an unbeaten week for the pair at the season-ending tournament which brings together the best eight doubles combinations over the year.
It was the first WTA Finals title for both New Zealand and Canada.
A MAGICAL WEEK IN RIYADH ✨
— wta (@WTA) November 9, 2024
Gabriela Dabrowski and @erinroutliffe go undefeated as they beat Siniakova/Townsend 7-5, 6-3 to lift the trophy!#WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/9GJsG443Ab
The final was also sweet revenge for Routliffe and Dabrowski, who lost in the Wimbledon final to Siniakova and Townsend in July - denying the pair a second major title after they combined to win the US Open last year.
During the trophy presentation, Dabrowski explained what this victory meant for her and Routliffe.
"I believe that our doubles partnership is extremely special," the Canadian said.
"It's not often that you can play doubles with someone who you feel very supported by, someone who's not only an amazing player, but a great friend and who has beautiful family and friends around them as well.
"They make me feel so included in their group. And I'm a little bit of an introvert, and so I really appreciate everyone bringing the best out of me. So yes, our partnership's been amazing, and we can't wait for next year."
Routliffe, who is the world No.2 ranked doubles player, thanked the big crowd.
"It's awesome for you guys to come watch doubles, we love it." Routliffe said.
"I can't wait to play for you guys again, we've had the most amazing experience. I really cannot put into words how amazing this week has been.
"Gaby, thank you for playing with me. She talked about our partnership a little bit, she's always a lot better with words than I am.
"So I'm just going say thank you so much, Gaby, to our team and everybody, we're so excited to come back and thank you so much."
As has been the case for many of their pool matches, it was a slow start for Routliffe and Dabrowski, with the latter having her serve broken in the opening game.
However, they broke back quickly and nailed a crucial second break off Siniakova's serve in the 12th game to seal the first set.
In the second set they again broke Siniakova to go 5-3 up before Dabrowski successfully served for the championship.
