At Arthur Ashe Stadium, Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand won their second U.S. Open women’s doubles championship on Friday, defeating American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-4 and Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-4.
The triumph concluded a perfect two-week campaign in New York and exacted revenge for losing to the same pair in the Wimbledon final the previous year.
With their victory at the U.S. Open, Dabrowski and Routliffe have won three Grand Slam titles together.
A Coordinated Collaboration
As a sign of their partnership, which has grown to be one of the most successful in women’s doubles, Dabrowski and Routliffe, both 32, arrived on the court wearing identical purple outfits. They relied on excellent communication and precise defensive play to save five of the seven break points they faced.
Afterward, Dabrowski turned to her colleague and remarked, “What a wild ride.” Together, we have experienced a great deal. I am so honored to be here with you tonight as a champion.”
Dabrowski and Routliffe, who plays for New Zealand but was born in New Zealand and grew up in Canada, partnered in 2023. In just their fourth match together, the duo won the U.S. Open championship that year, demonstrating their rapid success.
Prize Funds and Ambience
As part of the U.S. Open’s endeavor to improve doubles play, Dabrowski and Routliffe split a $1 million reward with the victory, an increase from the $750,000 awarded the year before.
As interest in doubles continues to grow, a raucous crowd attended the lunchtime final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. When 45-year-old Venus Williams unexpectedly advanced to the quarterfinals earlier in the week, the competition already made headlines.
Despite her team’s defeat, Townsend, who participated in the redesigned mixed doubles competition and advanced to the singles fourth round, appreciated the atmosphere.
She thanked the audience, saying, “I think this is one of the better crowds I’ve had for a doubles final. Thank you for your support.” “We strive to demonstrate that doubles is still tennis and to be excellent representation for the tour.”
