Elise Mertens and Su Wei Hsieh qualify for WTA Finals: ‘Very happy’ | WTA Finals (MX)

Mertens and Hsieh, ranked No. 4 and No. 1 in the world respectively in doubles, needed the victory to go forward. Against Fishman (WTA-26 in doubles) and Olmos (WTA-23 in doubles). It wasn’t as easy as the difference in standings suggested, but after an hour and 36 minutes qualifying was in.

On Thursday, Mertens and Hsieh defeated Chilean Alexa Guracci (WTA-14) and American Desira Krause (WTA-21) by two sets (7-6 (7/3), 6-2) in their first group match. Tagine”.

Against the Czech duo of Barbora Krejkova (WTA-3) and Katerina Siniakova (WTA-2), the Olympic doubles champion failed in the second match on Saturday. Mertens and Hsieh lost 6-3, 6-1.

In Mexico, the top 8 doubles of the season will be in action this week. The best 2 doubles from each group advance to the semi-finals. Due to the win in two matches, Mertens and Hsieh finished second in their group, which means that they advance to the semi-finals.

They play against Japanese duo Shoko Aoyama and Ina Shibahara. The other semi-final match will be between the Czech tandem Krejkova/Syniakova and the Dutch/American duo Demi Schurz/Nicole Melchar Martinez.

Mertens, 25, and Hsieh, 35, won the Wimbledon and Indian Wells doubles titles this year, in their first year together as a duo. Mertens also won the Australian Open alongside Aryna Sabalenka.

Mertens and Hsieh were, of course, the favorites. “We knew in advance that we only had to win one set,” Mertens explained. “Playing a match like this was not easy at all, but we were very focused and played very hard.” “This is necessary on this surface.”

“The balls move very fast, especially during the day, but also in the evening. And that helped us a lot.”

“Winning the first set was very important, it took a lot of tension. Then we persevered, because once you’re on the field, you want to win anyway.”

Two years ago, Mertens stranded in her first Masters appearance alongside Aryna Sabalenka in the group stage. So far it is doing better. “I’m very happy. I haven’t been able to do this before in my career and it’s good to be successful with my new partner.”

“Of course we hope to get as far as possible. The championship is not over yet.”