NEW YORK — In a stunning display of resilience and teamwork, the unseeded pairing of Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe captured the 2024 US Open women’s doubles title on Sunday, defeating the top-seeded duo of Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova in a thrilling final.
The Canadian-Kiwi duo, who first teamed up just last summer, triumphed 7-6(9), 3-6, 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium to claim their second Grand Slam title together, having also won the 2023 US Open. This victory marks a successful title defense and solidifies their status as one of the most formidable pairs on tour.
A Grueling Path to the Championship
Dabrowski and Routliffe’s journey to the final was anything but straightforward. They navigated a tough draw, showcasing their grit and chemistry in several tight matches. Their path to glory included:
- A tough three-set battle in the third round against Ulrikke Eikeri and Ingrid Neel.
- A commanding straight-sets victory over the 14th seeds, Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko, in the quarterfinals.
- A hard-fought semifinal win against the 11th seeds, Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3.
Their experience in pressure situations from the previous year proved invaluable, as they never seemed flustered, even when their opponents mounted a comeback.
A Final of High Stakes and Higher Quality
The championship match pitted two contrasting pairs against each other: the powerful, net-rushing aggression of Townsend and Siniakova versus the strategic, rock-solid teamwork of Dabrowski and Routliffe. The first set was an epic tug-of-war, extending to a tense tiebreak where both teams saved set points.
Ultimately, Dabrowski and Routliffe clinched it 11-9, a critical momentum boost. Though the top seeds roared back to take the second set 6-3, the defending champions regrouped in the decider. They secured a crucial break at 3-2 and never looked back, with Routliffe’s powerful serves and Dabrowski’s lightning-fast reflexes at the net proving the difference.
Emotional Victory and Post-Match Reactions
When Townsend’s final return sailed long, the champions embraced at the net, overcome with emotion. For Routliffe, winning in New York holds special significance, as she represented New Zealand while having spent her formative years in Canada. Dabrowski, a renowned doubles specialist, added a third major title to her collection.
In her post-match interview, an elated Erin Routliffe shared her disbelief and joy, stating: "I think I blacked out the entire match. I don't really know what happened. I'm just so happy we were able to get it done. To do it here again, it's just a dream."
Gabriela Dabrowski praised their opponents and highlighted their own team's unwavering belief: "They're an amazing team, so we knew it was going to be a battle. We just tried to stay focused on our side of the net and trust each other, point after point."
The Significance of the Win for Both Players
Dabrowski's Doubles Mastery
For Dabrowski, this win further cements her legacy as one of the best doubles players of her generation. This US Open trophy adds to her 2017 French Open mixed doubles title and her 2018 Australian Open mixed doubles crown. Her tactical intelligence and precise volleying were on full display throughout the tournament.
Routliffe's Remarkable Rise
For Routliffe, the victory is a continuation of a career-defining partnership. Since joining forces with Dabrowski, she has found incredible success, skyrocketing up the doubles rankings. Winning a second major at the same venue confirms her place among the elite in the women's game.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Partnership
With back-to-back US Open titles, the future is incredibly bright for Dabrowski and Routliffe. Their games complement each other perfectly, blending power, finesse, and an unshakable competitive spirit. They have proven they can perform on the biggest stages and under the utmost pressure.
As they look ahead to the remainder of the season and the WTA Finals, they will undoubtedly be one of the pairs to beat. Their victory sends a clear message to the rest of the tour: their 2023 win was no fluke, and they are here to stay at the top of the women's doubles landscape.
A Celebration of Perseverance and Teamwork
The 2024 US Open women's doubles final was a testament to the beauty of the team game in tennis. It showcased incredible athleticism, strategic depth, and raw emotion. In the end, the partnership forged in trust and hardened in competition prevailed.
Dabrowski and Routliffe’s victory is a story of perseverance, a celebration of a successful partnership, and a reminder that in doubles, the whole is often greater than the sum of its parts. They did not just defend a title; they cemented a legacy.