Riyadh | Doubles semifinalists announced following White Group completion at WTA Finals

At first sight it may look as though there hasn’t been much done, yet… but in actual fact it all came together beautifully to produce what became one of the finest seasons for sports-watching ever seen on these shores – perfect weather and amazing opportunities aplenty for an extraordinary trip around this great big ole earth we live on… On Thursday evening in the White Group at WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF, Taipei’s Chan Hao-ching and Russian Veronika Kudermetova saved two match points before coming from behind and outwitting Olympic champion Sara Errani & Jasmine Paolini of Italy (No 4 seeds), coming back for an epic comeback win to advance 3-6 7-6(3) [11-9]. Key to our success was taking small, incremental steps and trying to problem-solve. Though not an easy challenge, they added great dimension. Though knowing we would advance to round two was exciting and motivating; but winning this round still mattered immensely – something the round robin format provided me. “Tonight was an exceptional match where we could express ourselves fully, while refining parts of our game,” stated Gabriela Dabrowski in their on-court interview, while Kudermetova stated her delight at their advancement to the semis despite numerous ups and downs, stressful encounters, but ultimately we are here. “After losing the first set,” Chan explained afterward, “we just tried to play more aggressive.” They made more moves and discussed strategies of increasing aggression; eventually this proved successful and their team won. “Kudermetova remains in contention to win her second WTA Finals doubles championship since lifting Elise Mertens’ Martina Navratilova Trophy with Elise Mertens back in 2022, whilst Chan makes her return after an absence since 2019, appearing three times alongside sister Latisha Chan at this year’s tournament – making 2015 semi-finals alongside Latisha as well. Chan and Kudermetova will meet up against Green Group winners Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend who will contest Friday’s Last 4 against Green Group winners Katerina Siniiakova/Taylor Townsend who won Wimbledon championship back then.” Erin Routliffe & Desirae Krawczyk of New Zealand are already guaranteed of reaching the Last 4, and successfully won all their White Group matches against Caroline Dolehide & Desirae Krawczyk on Thursday to ensure top spot and advance to semi-finals (Photo credit Matthew Stockman/Getty Images for WTA). Meanwhile Gabriela Dabrowski & Erin Routliffe of New Zealand had to battle from behind against Caroline Dolehide & Desirae Krawczyk of America before emerging victorious: 3-6 6-3 [10-6], after an hour and 33 minutes on Thursday afternoon (c/ Matthew Stockman/Getty Images for WTA). Dabrowski later stated, “the key was just chipping away at solving their issues step-by-step,” noting it wasn’t easy due to all their levels. “Since we knew we’d move onto round two but still really wanted to win this match, the round-robin format provides an exciting dynamic we don’t often experience.” Throughout their encounter they could express themselves while working to improve parts of their game.