The Australian Open 2026 women’s doubles final delivered pure drama as Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai outlasted Anna Danilina and Alexandra Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4. Trailing 1-4 in the opening set, the experienced Belgian-Chinese pair flipped the script, winning the tiebreak convincingly. In the second, they raced to 5-0, but faced a nervy finish as their opponents saved two match points before succumbing.
Reuniting after nearly four years since their 2022 Wimbledon run, Mertens and Zhang displayed flawless teamwork. This win boosts Mertens to six Grand Slam doubles crowns, half of them at this tournament. Zhang’s tally hits three, building on her prior successes with Stosur.
A model of consistency, Mertens has snagged a major doubles title annually over the last three years. Her ascent back to World No. 1 beckons next week with 40 weeks atop the rankings in sight. Fans are buzzing about her unstoppable form.
Australian tennis fans have more to celebrate: Kubler and Polmans, local wildcards, advance to the men’s doubles final. Gadecki and Peers, meanwhile, etched their names in history with back-to-back mixed doubles victories.