Guadalajara, Jalisco, November 11, 2021.- Although they had a rocky start to the match, the number three ranked team in the WTA rankings, Elise Mertens from Belgium and Su-Wei Hsieh from Chinese Taipei, began their Finals campaign with a victory. They were a part of the Tajín Group at the AKRON WTA Finals Guadalajara 2021 which is located at the Complex Zapopan Pan-American Tennis Championship.
Hsieh, the number one ranked player in the world in doubles, and Mertens, ranked number 4 in the world, achieved their 20th victory of the season together, after beating the six seeds, Alexa Guarachi from Chile, and the American Desirae Krawczyk, 7-6 (3) 6-2, in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Taking advantage their opponents slow start, Hsieh and Mertens managed to go up 3-0 with a break on Mertens serve in the second game. The first set was tight and was ultimately decided in a sudden death tiebreak. The tiebreak began with a double fault by Guarachi, which lead the way for Mertens and Hsieh to pocket the set 7-6 (3).
Hsieh and Mertens dominated the second break. With two breaks Desirae Krawczyk’s serve, the second set was easily won 6-2, to clinch the match and score a 1-0 mark in this phase of groups. In their 10th event together this season, Hsieh and Mertens are in search of their title together; they won Wimbledon and Indian Wells.
The 35-year-old player from Chinese Taipei, has spent 47 weeks at the top of the ranking and has won 30 titles in her brilliant career. Her partner – the 25-year-old Mertens – has 14 titles to her name.
Guarachi and Krawczyk have played in 21 different tournaments together this year and won two titles in Adelaide and Strasbourg. They are starting their Finals campaign with a 0-1 record.