Aryna Sabalenka v Elena Rybakina in women’s singles final; women’s doubles final; men’s doubles final; day 14 scores, schedule, draw, times, how to watch
Belgian Elise Mertens and Chinese Zhang Shuai became the Australian Open women’s doubles champions this year by defeating Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic in consecutive sets, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.
Zhang Shuai and Elise Mertens celebrate their win.Credit: Getty Images
Danilina and Krunic managed to save two championship points in the final set, but this was not enough to prevent the Belgian and Chinese partnership from achieving victory.
Neither member of the winning duo is a stranger to the doubles circuit. Mertens was previously ranked world No. 1 in doubles and won five major tournaments. Zhang rose to world No. 2 and won two more majors.
Mertens and Zhang pose with their trophies.Credit: access point
Mertens and Zhang were presented with their trophies by Australian great Samantha Stosur to loud cheers from the crowd.
“This was actually the first week we played together… what a result,” Mertens said after the win.
