Plans have changed, Zhang Shuai is ready to claim the championship!

Born in 1989, the veteran Chinese star has once again become the furthest progressing Chinese player at this Australian Open (considering only adult singles, doubles, and mixed doubles). In yesterday’s Australian Open women’s doubles bottom half semifinal, the fourth-seeded pair Zhang Shuai/Mertens defeated Ena Shibahara/Zvonareva in just 85 minutes with a score of 6-3, 6-2, advancing to this year’s Australian Open women’s doubles final. This marks Zhang Shuai’s fifth career appearance in a Grand Slam women’s doubles final.

Returning to the Australian Open women’s doubles final stage after a full seven years, Zhang Shuai clearly has more experience here. In 2019, she partnered with Stosur to win her first Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park, and later the two also won the US Open women’s doubles championship together.

In fact, Zhang Shuai and Mertens previously teamed up to reach the Wimbledon women’s doubles final, though they ended up as runners-up. This Australian Open is only their second Grand Slam tournament playing together, and both times they have reached at least the final. Their partnership clearly generates greater strength, as seen from their semifinal performance—smarter tactics and excellent coordination kept victory on their side throughout.

With Mertens advancing to the final, her doubles world ranking has returned to number one, while Zhang Shuai’s current ranking stands at 12th. Their opponents in the final are Krunic/Danilina. In head-to-head records, Zhang Shuai and Mertens hold a clear advantage: Zhang leads Krunic 3-1 and Danilina 6-3, while Mertens is undefeated against Krunic 4-0 and Danilina 3-0.

Zhang Shuai and Mertens are undoubtedly the favorites, but doubles matches can change rapidly. The Krunic and Danilina pair have demonstrated excellent form at this Australian Open. In the quarterfinals, they overcame the top seeds and defending champions Siniakova/Townsend with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-0 comeback, ending the latter’s title defense. In the semifinals, they fought a tough three-set battle, narrowly defeating the fifth seeds Dabrowski/Stephens 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, earning a reputation as “giant killers.”

Of course, Zhang Shuai and Mertens have also experienced a comeback drama in this Australian Open. In the quarterfinals, they faced match points against them but showed the champion mentality expected of Grand Slam winners to turn the match around.

So, do you think Zhang Shuai and Mertens have a chance to win their first Grand Slam women’s doubles title together at this year’s Australian Open?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Barbie)