Doubles Champions Return to Action

Elise Mertens and Shuai Zhang, recently crowned Australian Open doubles champions, are continuing their competitive season. The pair secured the title on January 31 in Melbourne, defeating Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic.

This victory marks Mertens’ third Australian Open doubles crown and sixth career Grand Slam title. For Zhang, it’s her third major title, adding to her previous wins at the 2019 Australian Open and 2021 US Open.

Mertens Reclaims World No. 1 Ranking

With the Australian Open win, Mertens is set to reclaim the World No. 1 spot in the PIF WTA Rankings. This will mark the Belgian player’s 40th cumulative week as No. 1 in doubles.

It’s been definitely a good couple of months, especially on the Grand Slams and the WTA Finals – Elise Mertens

Recent Singles Performance & Upcoming Challenges

Mertens is also competing in the singles draw, having recently been eliminated in the second round in Doha after being defeated by Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 6-0. She sustained a minor injury during that match and subsequently skipped the doubles competition.

In the second round of singles, Mertens will face the winner of the match between Emma Navarro and Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Mertens and Zhang are exempt from the first round in the Emirates doubles draw.

A Late Reunion Pays Off

The Australian Open win came four years after Mertens and Zhang last played a Grand Slam together, at Wimbledon in 2022.

This is second time play together at the Grand Slam,” Zhang said. “First time we make to the final, and this time we got the trophy. Very special. We show every team how good we are. – Zhang Shuai

Did you know?

This is the first victory for Elise Mertens in three meetings against the 27-year-old from Prague who won in 2023 in Cincinnati and in 2015 in Monterrey. At Roland-Garros, Elise Mertens made it past the second round, but following her rival’s withdrawal.

FAQ

• Q: When did Mertens and Zhang win the Australian Open?
  A: January 31, 2026.
• Q: How many Grand Slam doubles titles does Mertens have?
  A: Six.
• Q: How many Grand Slam doubles titles does Zhang have?
  A: Three.