Routliffe, Dabrowski brush off delays to win Wimbledon opener

Erin Routliffe and Gaby Dabrowski have made a perfect start at this year’s Wimbledon, beating Wang Xinyu and Zheng Saisai 6-1 6-4 in the first round of the ladies’ doubles on Wednesday. 

The players didn’t come on court until 1pm, two hours after the match was supposed to start, then waited a further half an hour, for the court to be completely dry. 

But once play started Routliffe and Dabrowski showed why they’re among the favourites to win this title.

Wang was broken in the second game of the match. Dabrowski then had to save three break points in the next game, which she did.

The set was all but sealed when Wang was broken again to go down 4-1. When she lost serve for a third time in a row, in the opening game of the second set, Routliffe and Dabrowski were well on their way to victory.

On the second match point Zheng couldn’t keep in a wide serve from Dabrowski, which secured a spot in the next round for the second seeds.

This was the last of the matches to get going on the outside courts and Routliffe said there was concern from both teams about getting started. 

“Our opponents noticed it was a little bit slippery,” Routliffe said. 

“When they cover all the courts, some they don't get to as quickly. So it was a little slidy near the net and at the back. 

“With doubles, we're still stepping on more of the court than the singles players, so it's just a little bit more dangerous. 

“We all wanted to feel safe. It just took a bit of time, 15-20 minutes, it was fine.”

This is Routliffe’s sixth appearance at Wimbledon. Her best result was getting to the final with Dabrowski last year, but it wasn’t until her third visit that she was able to win a main draw match, reaching the quarterfinals that year with Alicja Rosolska.

Throughout the highs and lows, Wimbledon has always been a special place for the 30-year-old.

“I love it, I love being here,” Routliffe said. 

“I'm so grateful to be able to play here. It's one of my favourite tournaments of the year, easily. 

“It has a vibe like no other. I love the grass. I have my sister here, which is nice. “She's never been, so she's eyes wide open with everything and loving it. I'm always super happy to be here.” 

In the next round, Routliffe and Dabrowski will play the winner of the match between Miriam Skoch and Marketa Vondrousova against Polina Kudermetova and Zeynep Sonmez.