Did Mertens and Zhang Reunite to Claim the Australian Open Women's Doubles Title?
Synopsis
Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai made a remarkable return to Grand Slam action by winning the women's doubles title at the Australian Open. Discover how this dynamic duo, reuniting for the first time since Wimbledon 2022, overcame the odds to clinch their ninth Grand Slam title together, solidifying their status in tennis history.
Key Takeaways
Mertens and Zhang won their ninth Grand Slam doubles title together.
This victory marks Mertens' sixth Grand Slam title.
Zhang has previously won titles with Samantha Stosur .
Mertens is set to regain the World No.
The pair showed resilience by coming back from a 4-1 deficit.
In Melbourne on January 31, Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai, who last teamed up for a Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2022, came together once again at the Australian Open to clinch the women's doubles championship. The Belgian-Chinese pair triumphed over Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic with a score of 7-6(4), 6-4, marking their ninth Grand Slam doubles title in just their seventh tournament as a duo.
Mertens has now secured a total of six Grand Slam titles, with three victories in Australia alone, while Zhang boasts three titles. Zhang previously won her other women’s doubles championships alongside the retired Samantha Stosur, at the 2019 Australian Open and the 2021 US Open.
With this victory, Mertens has now achieved a Grand Slam doubles title for three consecutive years. Currently ranked World No. 6, Mertens was guaranteed a return to World No. 1, regardless of the match outcome, and will celebrate her 40th week atop the rankings next week.
The No. 4 seeds surged ahead against the No. 7 seeds after initially trailing 4-1 in the first set. They later raced out to a commanding 5-0 lead in the second set, which proved crucial as they eventually secured the win after two championship points were narrowly missed at 5-2, according to WTA reports.
Meanwhile, local wildcards Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans are in action during the men's doubles final. Kubler is aiming for his second Australian Open doubles title after winning alongside Rinky Hijikata as wildcards in 2023. Polmans, who reached the semifinals with Andrew Whittington at Melbourne Park in 2017, is vying for his first Grand Slam title.
In the mixed doubles final held on Friday, local wildcards Olivia Gadecki and John Peers broke a 37-year streak by becoming the first pair to defend their Australian Open mixed doubles title in an exhilarating match. They are now the first duo to win consecutive Australian Open mixed doubles titles since Jana Novotna and Jim Pugh in 1988-89 and the first Australians to achieve back-to-back victories at their home Slam since Margaret Court and Ken Fletcher in 1963-64.
Point of View
I am thrilled to report on the inspiring comeback of Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai at the Australian Open. Their victory not only highlights their exceptional talent and determination but also reinforces the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie in tennis. This win is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it is a proud moment for fans and aspiring athletes alike.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Grand Slam titles has Elise Mertens won?
Elise Mertens has won a total of six Grand Slam titles.
Who did Mertens and Zhang defeat in the final?
They defeated Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic in the final.
What was the score of the women's doubles final?
The final score was 7-6(4), 6-4 in favor of Mertens and Zhang.
Is this Mertens' first title at the Australian Open?
No, this is Mertens' third title at the Australian Open.
When did Mertens and Zhang last play a Grand Slam together?
They last played together at Wimbledon in 2022.
