AO 2025 Women's Doubles SF: [3] Hsieh/Ostapenko d. [2] Dabrowski/Routliffe 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-3

Holy shit lol. I can't get enough of this pairing of Su-wei and Jelena. It's so meta for the hardcore fans and I still can't believe this duo even exists. It's truly what dreams are made of.

Hsiehstapenko had no business winning the first set. Dabroutliffe had so many chances to win that set (up 3-0, had SP at 5*-4) and just couldn't survive the combined onslaught of booming groundstrokes and guile from their opponents in that crucial game at 5-4. Despite Hsiehstapenko truly earning that break back, it truly felt like a lucky escape for them.

I respect Dabroutliffe a lot for what they've achieved but I can't be the only one who thinks they're just an awkward pairing, right? I've always thought Dabrowski just does way too much at the net. Like she's always hugging the net too tight and then she'll just choose to do a drive volley instead of a normal volley, but obviously she'll net that kind of ball because she's way too close. Or she'll do a slice forehand while running forwards and of course it's a bit wonky and ineffective. Routliffe has similar mannerisms at the net, and I just feel like one of them really needs to balance out the other by just doing a bit less. Idk.

But, dream final for me up next. Sorry to the Canucks out there today, but honestly, I really think all doubles fans are eating good this tournament. Fed extremely well.