Routliffe, Dabrowski win Cincinnati title
- Dave Worsley
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 21
A big win just a week out from the US Open for Erin Routliffe and Gaby Dabrowski as they were victorious at the Cincinnat WTA 1000 tournament.
It was a title defence for Routliffe who won the event last year with Asia Muhammad.
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This time with Dabrowski and seeded second they were consistent throughout beating China's Hanyu Guo and Russia's Alexandra Panova 6-4 6-3 for the title in one hour 20 minutes.
It is Routliffe's third title this year after Stuttgart with Dabrowski and Charleston with Jelena Ostapenko.
The New Zealand and Canadian team got the only break of serve in the opening set of the final and in the second set they broke their opponents three times.
They also played to their strengths, with Routliffe serving superbly and Dabrowski dominant at the net.
At the trophy presentation, Dabrowski gave an emotional speech comparing where she was this time last year, when dealing with breast cancer.
“Exactly one year ago, I was going through radiation treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville,” said Dabrowski.
“Erin's best friend, Asia Muhammed, stepped in and played this tournament, and they took the title, which was really fun to watch them do from afar.
“But I feel very fortunate to be able to compete this week and fill some very big shoes, Asia's shoes. So it's been super special to compete here alongside Erin.”
Routliffe paid tribute to all of those who had supported her and Dabrowski.
“Our team, of course, everyone here and everyone watching back at home or wherever they are in the world, we have so many people behind us,” Routliffe said.
"It really does take a village to make us who we are and to give us the success that we have.”
Routliffe then spoke to her partner.:
“Gaby, we have had a rough year, and we've stuck together. I think this title means a lot to both of us,” she said.
Routliffe and Dabrowski are set to play in Monterrey, Mexico as the top seed prior to the US Open begins on August 24
