World’s top doubles duo Routliffe-Dabrowski head for ASB Classic

Two US Open champions will join Raducanu at the ASB Classic in the form of newly-crowned WTA Finals doubles winners, New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe and Canadian partner Gaby Dabrowski.

The pair were unlikely winners at the US Open at Flushing Meadows, with the doubles duo pairing up for the first time in 2023 and going on to win the final. This year they were quarterfinalists at the US Open, semifinalists at Australia, runners-up in Wimbledon before their victory in the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

There will be considerable interest with the world’s best women’s doubles pairing on show at the ASB Classic.

Dabrowski and Routliffe teamed up to win their first Grand Slam doubles title in only their fourth tournament as a team in 2023. 

For Routliffe, the win at the US Open served as a springboard. Two years ago Routliffe had contemplated retirement, but after finding the perfect chemistry with Dabrowski, she soared up the rankings to become New Zealand's first Hologic WTA Tour World No.1 this year. To cap it off she was selected along with Lulu Sun to represent New Zealand at the Paris Olympic Games.

"Two years ago, if you told me this was happening, I would not have believed you," Routliffe said. "It's a testament to years and years of working and learning myself and what works for me. Having people around me that believe in me no matter what. Gaby taking a chance on me when my ranking was probably not as high as she would have liked in our partnership. 

"I will never forget that and I don't take any of it for granted. It's been a quick rise to the top of the game. I'm excited for more."

The final women’s field for the ASB Classic will be announced the first week December.