Routliffe, Dabrowski into US Open quarters as Vondrousova withdraws

Erin Routliffe and Gaby Dabrowski are into the quarterfinals of the women’s doubles at the US Open, following the withdrawal of Marketa Vondrousova. 

The Wimbledon singles champion was due to team up with fellow Czech Barbora Strycova for theie third round doubles match on Monday. 

But Vondrousova appeared to hurt her left elbow during the fourth round singles match against America’s Peyton Stearns earlier in the day. 

Because of this, Vondrousova pulled out of the women’s doubles and gave Routliffe and Dabrowski a free pass to the quarterfinals.

In the last eight, Routliffe and Dabrowski are up against former US Open singles finalist Leylah Fernandez and the American Taylor Townsend.

Vondrousova said in her press conference she felt bad about having to withdraw from the doubles.

“I just feel my arm,” Vondrousova said. 

"So we decided not to play (doubles) today. It's a bit sad, because it's Barbora's last tournament, so it was a tough decision. You have to put your health first.”

Vondrousova said the heavier Wilson balls they are using for women’s matches at the US Open this year are starting to take a toll on her and led to the sore elbow.

“It's just from the balls,” she said. 

“They are very heavy and the season is long, so I feel like you just have to fight through it.

“I have a day off tomorrow, so that's gonna help.”

Vondrousova said it was her coach who informed Strycova she was pulling out of the doubles.

“My coach told me just don't play, and he actually told Barbora first and then she came to me,” Vondrousova said.

“She's a very experienced player and I'm just very grateful to have her by my side and it's so good that she understands.”

Routliffe said she and Dabrowksi found out not long after Vondrousova finished her singles match that she wouldn’t play doubles.

“Probably 30 minutes after she got off court, we were eating and then we were told she wasn’t going to play,” Routliffe said.

“It’s weird, I don’t think I’ve ever got a walkover, it’s rare. If I’ve gotten one, it’s not very often and I always expect everyone to play. 

“Obviously she’s an incredible singles player and she pulled out of the Wimbledon doubles and then won Wimbledon. So I’m sure it was everyone’s head a bit. But you try to focus on yourself and worry about yourself.

“I’m really excited to be in the quarters and get another opportunity to play with Gaby.

“We’re playing really well. Today was going to be a tough match, but we had a chance to win and we’ll just take it for what it is. It does suck not being able to play, for sure.

“It’s super sad and I’m sure she feels bad, but at the end of the day you’ve got to take care of yourself and if you think it’s the right decision, then you’ve got to do it.”