The unbreakable sisterhood behind New Zealand's tennis sensation Erin Routliffe is a testament to the power of family support and unconditional love. Fresh off her second Grand Slam victory in the US, the 30-year-old champion sat down with her sisters for their first interview together, revealing the heartwarming dynamics that fuel their individual successes.

Erin shares an extraordinary bond with Paralympic swimming medalist Tess, 27, and former volleyball champion Tara, 28. Whether navigating relationship challenges, recovering from injuries, or celebrating career milestones, these three remarkable women have each other's backs through everything life throws their way.

The sisters' connection to New Zealand runs deep. Their Canadian parents came to Aotearoa during a world sailing trip when Catherine became pregnant with Erin, eventually welcoming all three daughters before returning to Ontario. That adventurous spirit and connection to New Zealand has shaped who they've become, with Erin proudly representing New Zealand internationally since 2017.

Each sister has carved out her own impressive athletic path. Erin discovered tennis at age 10 and never looked back, building a career that recently saw her achieve multiple US Open doubles titles with partner Gaby Dabrowski. Tara excelled in volleyball throughout university, while Tess found her calling in swimming during high school—a sport where her dwarfism became an asset rather than an obstacle.

Tess's journey is particularly inspiring. After experiencing bullying as a child, she found confidence and empowerment in the pool. Her sisters' refusal to treat her differently proved pivotal. "At school, I felt different, but at home, I was the same," Tess shares. "I had two people stomping on those shells" rather than walking on eggshells around her disability.

That authentic support system has paid dividends. Tess won silver at the 2016 Paralympics, then claimed silver and bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympics—achievements that moved Erin to tears each time. "She's my little sister, but I had so much to look up to in her in that moment," Erin recalls emotionally. "Every time she wins, I cry like a baby!"

The sisters show up for each other during the toughest moments too. When Tess broke her back and missed the Tokyo Olympics, Erin spent days at her bedside. "I threw up on her face at one point," Tess laughs, while Erin adds with humor, "Not a glamorous time in my life!"

Now, as Erin embarks on a new chapter with tennis partner Asia Muhammad and prepares to play in the ASB Classic in Auckland, she's in a good place personally too, dating a lawyer she met through friends. Meanwhile, Tess heads to Australia for the Para Swimming World Series, carrying forward the confidence her sisters helped build.

Recently, the trio took their first vacation together to Japan, indulging their shared love for food and travel—a passion inherited from their adventurous parents and Kiwi heritage.

Why It Matters: The Routliffe sisters exemplify how genuine family support and treating each other with respect and normalcy can help individuals reach extraordinary heights. Their story reminds us that behind every champion is often a network of loved ones providing unwavering encouragement, and that our greatest strengths often come from the bonds we nurture at home.