Elise Mertens of Belgium and Zhang Shuai of China have been crowned this year’s Australian Open women’s doubles champions, after defeating Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic in straight 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 it wasn’t enough to stop the Belgian and Chinese partnership from storming to victory.
Neither member of the winning duo is a stranger to the doubles circuit. Mertens has previously been ranked world No.1 in doubles, and has won five major tournaments. Zhang has peaked at world No.2 and has won two other majors.
Mertens and Zhang pose with their trophy.Credit: AP
Mertens and Zhang were presented their trophy by Aussie great Samantha Stosur amid big cheers from the crowd.
“It’s the first week we actually played together … what a result,” Mertens said after the win.
