Erin Routliffe calls 2024 season her best one so far

Erin Routliffe’s 2024 tennis season was one for the record books. The Kiwi doubles specialist ended the year on a high, clinching the WTA Finals title in Saudi Arabia with her Canadian partner, Gaby Dabrowski. 

It was a fitting culmination to a season marked by hard-fought victories, personal growth, a relentless drive for consistency and the achievement of becoming the first ever New Zealander to reach No 1 in a world ranking.

“It was amazing,” Routliffe says of the Riyadh triumph. “Honestly, the perfect way to end the season. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

The WTA Finals win, their second biggest title together after winning the 2023 US Open,, showcased their determination and mutual support as a partnership. Even beyond the trophy, the experience in Saudi Arabia stood out as a highlight for Routliffe. 

“We had such a positive experience, and hopefully, this partnership will continue to thrive,” Routliffe said.

One of the most memorable moments from the final against Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova came on championship point. 

Up 7-5 and 5-3, Dabrowski was serving for the title. She and Routliffe went up 40-0, but the next three points went the way of Townsend and Siniakova.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, but TV cameras caught Dabrowski grinning in this high-pressure situation, a surprising response in the heat of competition. Routliffe reflected on that moment. 

“I noticed that too, watching the match back. We were actively trying to enjoy the pressure, to embrace the moment,” she explained.

The moment wasn’t without its tension. Dabrowski had let a ball go on the previous point, assuming it was out, only to see it land well inside the court. 

“That could have turned the match,” Routliffe said. 

“But we reminded each other to trust our shots and stay focused. 

“I think I tried to tell jokes to lighten the mood, but honestly, I don’t remember what I said. Watching it back now, it’s funny to see how we handled it.”

While winning a grand slam is the pinnacle for any tennis player, Routliffe viewed the WTA Finals as a uniquely challenging accomplishment, as only the top eight teams in the world get to play in it. 

“Grand Slams are incredible, but they’re different,” she said. 

“At slams, sometimes the draw opens up if top seeds lose early. But at the WTA Finals, you’re consistently playing the top eight teams. Every match demands your best.”

Another milestone in 2024 was their run to the Wimbledon final, where they faced the same opponents as in the WTA Finals. Reflecting on their 7-6 7-6 loss at Wimbledon, Routliffe acknowledges the lessons learned. 

“We had some regrets about not being aggressive enough with our opportunities,” she said. 

“By the time we faced them again (in Riyadh), we were ready to flip that approach.”

Wimbledon remains a special place for Routliffe. “It’s such an iconic tournament, and to win it would be a dream,” she said. “But this year’s final was a massive result for us and a stepping stone for the future.”

By getting to that Wimbledon final, Routliffe secured a spot at No 1 in the world rankings. Although she dropped to No 2 later in 2024, it was still an incredible achievement.

“It was surreal,” she admitted. 

“I don’t pay too much attention to rankings, but it’s something I always dreamed about as a kid. If you’d told me back then that I’d be No 1 in the world, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“There’s a bit of luck involved with rankings. For me, it’s about trusting the process and doing the work. If you focus on that, the results will follow.”

Routliffe also won her first WTA 1000 title this year, achieving that with Asia Muhammad in Cincinnati, as Dabrowski was injured at that time.

So when reflecting on her past two seasons, Routliffe feels that even if she didn’t win a grand slam in 2024, it was a better year overall than 2023.

“It was definitely my best year,” she said. 

“A lot of that has to do with consistency, producing results week in and week out and having a full-time partner to rely on. 2023 was great in its own way, but it wasn’t as consistent. This year felt like everything clicked.”

Although Routliffe is now enjoying a well-earned rest she is also eagerly anticipating the ASB Classic, which starts on December 30.

She will be competing there with Dabrowski for the first time. “Gaby’s so excited to come to New Zealand. She’s even planning to spend Christmas there with me,” Routliffe said

“I’ve been telling her all about my favourite spots and how amazing the tournament is. It’ll be special to play in front of a home crowd with her by my side.”

As 2025 approaches, Routliffe and Dabrowski have reaffirmed their commitment to each other as a team. 

“We talked about it because it’s important to align on goals and expectations,” Routliffe said. 

“We both feel we have a lot more to achieve together. This year was just the beginning.“I’m excited for what’s ahead. There’s still so much more to accomplish. And starting the new season at the ASB Classic, that’s the perfect way to begin again.”