Routliffe, Muhammad reach Washington semifinals

Erin Routliffe and Asia Muhammad have come through another tight match in Washington, but have defeated Chinese duo of Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan 6-2 5-7 10-7.

This quarterfinal match in the United States’ capital was similar to their clash in the first round, when they defeated Ulrikke Eikeri from Norway and Japan’s Sri Hozumi 6-1 4-6 12-10, but once again, they battled through for the victory.

Routliffe and Muhammad last played together in Cincinnati last August and took out the title, which was Routliffe’s first triumph at a WTA 1000 tournament. 

With Routliffe’s regular partner Gaby Dabrowski not playing this week, the Kiwi has reunited with Muhammad and they are continuing that success from 11 months ago.

In the semifinals, Routliffe and Muhammad, who are the top seeds, play the winner of the match between Chan Hao-Ching and Jiang Xinyu against Caroline Dolehide and Sofia Kenin.