LONDON — Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Jelena Ostapenko and Hsieh Su-wei in the Wimbledon women's doubles final, securing their first Grand Slam title as a team. The duo triumphed 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 in a gripping two-hour, 45-minute battle on Centre Court, marking a career-defining moment for both players.
The victory was particularly sweet for Kudermetova, who had never before reached a major doubles final, and for Mertens, a seasoned doubles specialist with three previous Grand Slam titles. "This is a dream come true," said Mertens after the match. "Veronika and I have worked so hard for this moment, and to win it at Wimbledon makes it even more special."
A Match of Momentum Swings
The final was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both teams showcasing their strengths. Ostapenko and Hsieh, the reigning Australian Open champions, started strong, breaking Mertens and Kudermetova early. However, the eventual winners clawed their way back, displaying remarkable resilience and tactical adaptability.
Key moments included:
- A crucial break in the ninth game of the first set, sealed by a blistering Mertens backhand down the line
- A dramatic second-set tiebreak where Hsieh's signature slice volleys kept her team in contention
- A decisive third-set break at 4-4, set up by Kudermetova's powerful baseline strokes
The Turning Point
At 3-4 down in the final set, Mertens and Kudermetova faced break points that could have handed Ostapenko and Hsieh the advantage. But a series of clutch serves and net interceptions turned the tide. "That game was everything," Kudermetova reflected. "Elise's volleys were unbelievable, and we just kept believing in each other."
Hsieh's Historic Bid Falls Short
The match carried extra significance for Hsieh Su-wei, who was attempting to become the oldest woman in the Open Era to win a Wimbledon doubles title at 38 years old. The Taiwanese veteran's creative play earned standing ovations, particularly for her:
- Signature two-handed slice returns
- Daring poaches at net that produced 14 winners
Road to the Championship
Mertens and Kudermetova's path to glory included victories over three seeded teams:
- A straight-sets win against No. 4 seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez/Ellen Perez in the quarterfinals
- A comeback from a set down against No. 7 seeds Gabriela Dabrowski/Erin Routliffe in the semis
- The championship match against No. 3 seeds Ostapenko/Hsieh
Their chemistry improved with each round, as Mertens' experience (a former world No. 1 in doubles) complemented Kudermetova's explosive power. "We found our rhythm at the right time," Mertens noted. "Veronika's returns were on fire all tournament, and that gave me confidence to be aggressive at net."
What This Means for Their Careers
The victory propels both players into the upper echelons of doubles tennis:
- Mertens now owns four Grand Slam doubles titles (three with Aryna Sabalenka)
- Kudermetova breaks into the doubles top 10 for the first time, rising to No. 8
Their partnership, which began earlier this season, now looks set to continue through the US Open series. "We're just getting started," declared Kudermetova during the trophy ceremony, holding the Venus Rosewater Dish aloft with Mertens.
Reactions from the Tennis World
The tennis community celebrated the new champions on social media. Billie Jean King tweeted: "What a display of doubles tennis! Congratulations to Elise and Veronika on their well-deserved Wimbledon title."
Former doubles champion Rennae Stubbs added: "The way Mertens and Kudermetova adjusted their strategy mid-match shows why they're champions. That third set was a masterclass in pressure tennis."
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Mertens and Kudermetova have established themselves as serious contenders for the year-end WTA Finals. They'll next compete together at the Montreal Open, where they'll aim to build on their Wimbledon momentum.
As for Ostapenko and Hsieh, their impressive chemistry suggests they'll remain a force in future tournaments. "We'll be back," Ostapenko promised during the runners-up speech, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The 2024 Wimbledon women's doubles final will be remembered for its dramatic swings, tactical brilliance, and the emergence of a new championship team. For Mertens and Kudermetova, their names are now forever etched in Wimbledon history, their grass-court triumph a testament to perseverance and partnership.