Monday Digest: Dabrowski Last Canadian Standing in Indian Wells

Gabriela Dabrowski carries Canada’s trophy hopes in week two of Indian Wells after all the nation’s singles players bowed out in week one. 

The doubles star has made a few deep runs so far in 2024, but is looking to take another step and grab a first title of the year. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

In Case You Missed It: Weekend to Forget in Indian Wells 

With one exception, it was a short stay for the Canadians in Tennis Paradise. 

The 2024 BNP Paribas Open got off to a good start, with Milos Raonic, Félix Auger-Aliassime, and Denis Shapovalov all winning their opening matches on Thursday and Friday. 

But once the weekend arrived, things went downhill quickly. 

On Saturday, Leylah Annie Fernandez and Denis Shapovalov each lost three-setters despite leading by a break in the third to Diane Parry and Lorenzo Musetti respectively. Milos Raonic also withdrew just before his scheduled clash with Holger Rune. 

Read also: ATP Power Rankings Ahead of Indian Wells

Then on Sunday, Auger-Aliassime was knocked out for the second year in a row by Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in round three. 

It was not all disappointment for the Canadians though, as Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe won their opening match, dropping just three games in a rout of Cristina Busca and Alexandra Panova. 

Click here for more news from the tours.

What to Watch: Dabrowski Eyes Another Deep Run 

Only Gabriela Dabrowski remains for Canada in the second week of Indian Wells. 

Read also: WTA Sunshine Double Power Rankings

She and Erin Routliffe meet Asia Muhammad and Ena Shibahara on Monday for a spot in the quarter-finals, where they could face fifth seeds Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. 

The second-seeded Canadian/Kiwi pair are in the bottom half of the draw and could have a Dubai rematch with Storm Hunter and Katerina Siniakova in the semis. Dabrowski has reached the semis at two of the three highest-level events on the WTA Tour so far this year. 

Under the Radar: 

The first pro tournament on Canadian soil took place last week in Brossard, QC, with American Catherine Harrison claiming the first title at the new event. 

Click here to read all the results from Brossard. 

Canada’s trophy streak was broken last week, with no Canadians winning a title for the first time since the beginning of February. 

A couple of juniors came close to extending the streak to five weeks, with Maria Dobreva and Eric William Wang both reaching ITF J60 doubles finals, but both were defeated in straight sets. 

The ITF Tour is staying in Canada this week with another W15 event in Montreal. 

Qualifying for the wheelchair BNP Paribas World Team Cup takes place this week and Team Canada is competing. The men’s and women’s teamswill be at the Americas qualifying in Lima, Peru, while the quad athletes are playing over in Pattaya, Thailand.  

Participation in the World Team Cup is an element of Paralympic eligibility.  

You can follow the Canadians in action every week here.