Elise Mertens, alongside China’s Zhang Shuai, captured the Australian Open Women’s Doubles title, marking a significant achievement in their tennis careers. This victory is particularly sweet for Mertens as it also secures her return to the No. 1 ranking in women’s doubles.
Mertens and Zhang’s Path to Victory
The final match showcased a dramatic turnaround. Mertens and Zhang initially fell behind, trailing 3-0 and 4-1 in the first set. However, they managed to rally, ultimately defeating Anna Danilina of Kazakhstan and Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic, with a close score of 7-6 (4), 6-4.
In the decisive second set, Mertens and Zhang quickly established a commanding 5-0 lead. Despite facing a brief setback when their opponents won four consecutive games, they successfully held on to secure the title.
A Milestone for Elise Mertens
This victory at the Australian Open marks Mertens’ sixth Grand Slam doubles title. She previously won the tournament in 2021 and 2024. After this win, Mertens will reclaim the No. 1 spot in the women’s doubles rankings. This victory brings her cumulative weeks at No. 1 to 40.
- Elise Mertens: Six Grand Slam doubles titles
- Zhang Shuai: Three Grand Slam doubles titles
- Mertens’ 2021 and 2024 Australian Open victories
Zhang Shuai’s Achievement
Zhang Shuai now boasts three Grand Slam doubles titles, including her previous successes at the 2019 Australian Open and the 2021 U.S. Open.
Upcoming Matches in Men’s Doubles
On the men’s side, the doubles final features American Christian Harrison and British Neal Skupski against the Australian duo of Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans. Kubler has demonstrated impressive performance, holding a 14-3 record in doubles at his home Grand Slam.
Harrison and Skupski, who previously competed in different pairs at last year’s ATP Finals, teamed up for the first time earlier this month in Adelaide, reaching the semifinals.
Mixed Doubles Final Highlights
The mixed doubles final concluded with Australians Olivia Gadecki and John Peers winning their second consecutive title, a feat last accomplished in 1989. They triumphed over French duo Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 10-8.
The prestigious Australian Open continues to showcase remarkable talent and thrilling matchups across all categories of tennis.
