Mertens and Zhang Clinch Australian Open 2026 Women’s Doubles Title

Melbourne, January 2026 – Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai captured the women’s doubles crown at the Australian Open 2026 with an impressive performance, defeating Anna Danilina and Alexandra Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4 in a thrilling final.

The match saw the fourth-seeded Mertens-Zhang pair face an early challenge, trailing 4-1 in the first set. Demonstrating resilience and teamwork, they fought back to take the set in a tense tiebreak. In the second set, the Belgian-Chinese duo surged ahead 5-0, putting the seventh-seeded Danilina-Krunic pair on the back foot. Although Danilina and Krunic saved two championship points at 5-2, Mertens and Zhang held their nerve to close out the victory.

This title marks a triumphant return for the pair, who last competed together at Wimbledon 2022. Their reunion at the Australian Open highlighted their strong on-court chemistry and strategic understanding. For Mertens, this is her sixth Grand Slam doubles title, including three in Australia. Zhang Shuai now boasts three Grand Slam doubles trophies, having previously won the 2019 Australian Open and 2021 US Open alongside Samantha Stosur.

Mertens’ victory also continues her remarkable streak of winning a doubles Grand Slam title each year for the past three years. Currently ranked World No. 6 in doubles, she expressed confidence about reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking, with next week set to mark her 40th week at the top.

In other events, hometown wildcards Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans are preparing to contest the men’s doubles final, while in mixed doubles, Australians Olivia Gadecki and John Peers made history by winning the title for a second consecutive year.

The women’s doubles final showcased Mertens and Zhang’s blend of experience, tactical intelligence, and composure under pressure, confirming them as a formidable pairing on the Grand Slam stage. Their victory adds another chapter to their illustrious doubles careers and sets the tone for an exciting season ahead.

Team Maverick