Drama unfolded at Rod Laver Arena as Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai seized the Australian Open 2026 women’s doubles title, edging Anna Danilina and Alexandra Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4. The fourth seeds overcame a shaky start, rallying from 1-4 down to snag the first-set tiebreak. They dominated set two until 5-0, then survived two championship point scares to lift the trophy.
This success revives a partnership dormant since 2022 Wimbledon, fueled by impeccable coordination. Mertens reaches six major doubles titles, three Australian Open gems among them. Zhang notches her third Slam doubles win, following partnerships with Stosur.
With doubles Slams in each of the last three years, Mertens exemplifies reliability. From World No. 6, she eyes a return to the pinnacle next week, logging 40 weeks at No. 1. Her trajectory points to further accolades.
Home fans anticipate the men’s doubles final with wildcards Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans. Gadecki and Peers stole the show in mixed doubles, becoming the first Aussies to defend the title consecutively.