Routliffe makes a winning start in Doha

New Zealand doubles player Erin Routliffe and her Polish partner Alicja Rosolska have made a winning start to the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha.

They have beaten Russian Kamila Rakhimova and Denmark’s Clara Tauson 5-7,6-2, 10-7 in an hour and 34 minutes.

Routliffe and Rosolska were the dominant pair breaking serve three times from five looks while they saved six break point chances, losing serve twice.

The points earned from the win at one of the Premier WTA tournaments will see Routliffe rise again to a new career high ranking of around 35 which will climb further depending how far she goes in the tournament.

Routliffe and Rosolska will next play Australian Ellen Perez and American Desirae Krawczyk for a place in the quarter finals tomorrow. 

Erin Routliffe after first round doubles win in Doha from Tennis NZ on Vimeo.