Gabriela Dabrowski comes into the 2024 WTA Finals trying to change into the primary Canadian lady ever to succeed in the ultimate on the year-end championships.
She and Erin Routliffe have been probably the greatest groups on the earth since becoming a member of forces in the summertime of 2023 and can look to strengthen it because the eight finest pairs look to finish the season with a trophy.
Right here’s what it’s essential know.
What to Watch: Dabrowski Flies the Flag at Yr-Finish Championships
Gabriela Dabrowski is trying to end the WTA season with a bang this week as she and Erin Routliffe are the second seeds on the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The pair are the highest-seeded crew within the White Group and have already picked up a win, beating Hao Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova of their opening match of the group stage on Sunday. Additionally of their group are the Olympic champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini and the Nationwide Financial institution Open champions Carolina Dolehide and Desirae Krawczyk.
There are two teams of 4 groups within the spherical robin, with the highest two groups in every group advancing to the semifinals.
It’s Dabrowski’s sixth look on the WTA Finals. Her finest end result got here a yr in the past in Cancun when she and Routliffe reached the semis.
Learn additionally: Qinwen Zheng and the Emergence of Chinese language Tennis
Denis Shapovalov is the lone Canadian man competing within the remaining week of normal ATP Tour occasions. He certified for the 250 in Belgrade, Serbia and defeated Marton Fucsovics in three units on Monday to set a round-two conflict with fifth seed Nuno Borges.
The Canadian might meet both Daniel Altmaier or Christopher O’Connell within the quarter-finals. His projected semifinal opponent, and the highest-ranked participant in his half of the draw, is No. 4 seed Jiri Lehecka. Shapovalov can’t meet the highest seed, Alex de Minaur, till the ultimate.
In Case You Missed It: Fernandez Simply Misses Title Defence
Leylah Annie Fernadez was attempting to efficiently defend a title for the second time in her profession final week on the Hong Kong Tennis Open however got here up two wins brief.
The defending champion cruised into the semifinals with out shedding a set, beating Heather Watson, Kimberly Birrell, and Bernarda Pera. Nevertheless, she was unable to maintain her good file in opposition to Diana Shnaider alive, falling to the highest seed and eventual champion within the final 4 in straight units.
Marina Stakusic was trying to hold the nice instances rolling in Mexico after profitable her first WTA 125 title the earlier week in Tampico, this time on the WTA important tour at a 250 occasion in Merida. She battled previous Maya Joint in a first-round epic however fell in spherical two to Nina Stojanovic in straight units.
Rebecca Marino was additionally competing in Merida however misplaced within the first spherical to Maja Chwalinska.
Beneath the Radar: Shut Name for Cross
Per week after Canada acquired shut out of the finals in Saguenay, the host nation had a shot at a trophy on the ITF W75 Tevlin Challenger in Toronto the place Kayla Cross reached the singles remaining. Nevertheless, she was unable to seize the winner’s trophy, falling to Louisa Chirico within the title match.
Click on right here to learn the complete Tevlin recap.
Carson Branstine had a profession milestone final week, choosing up her first match win at a WTA occasion when she beat Anouk Koevermans in straight units on the WTA 125 occasion in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Sadly, she needed to retire within the second spherical.
Home ITF motion continues in Canada this week. It’s the lads’s flip to compete as Saint-Augustine-de-Desmaures, QC, hosts an ITF M25 occasion stuffed with Canadian rivals, led by Edmonton champion Liam Draxl.
There may be additionally a big Canadian contingent competing simply over the border on the WTA 125 occasion in Midland, Michigan, together with Billie Jean King Cup crew members Rebecca Marino and Marina Stakusic.
You possibly can observe the Canadians in motion each week right here.
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