Chinese tennis star Zhang Shuai and Belgian partner Elise Mertens kicked off their 2026 Australian Open campaign with a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory over Sorana Cirstea and Anna Kalinskaya on Wednesday. The dynamic duo showcased their signature chemistry, turning the match around with a crucial third-game break in the first set.
🇨🇳🔥 "When we sync up like that, it feels unstoppable," Zhang told reporters after the match. Their opponents tried switching to aggressive net play in the second set, but Mertens' laser-guided returns and Zhang's cross-court magic sealed the deal.
In another highlight for Chinese tennis, Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan delivered a textbook 6-4, 6-2 win against Antonia Ruzic and Renata Zarazua. The pair’s lightning-fast coordination had fans cheering as they raced to a 4-0 lead in the second set 🚀.
With both Chinese teams advancing, all eyes are now on Thursday’s matches as they chase their first Grand Slam titles of 2026. Will this be the year China dominates the doubles courts? 🏆
