Duan Yingying (right) and Veronika Kudermetova celebrate after winning. [Photo/Xinhua News Agency]
Wuhan, China - Duan Yingying became the first Chinese champion of the Wuhan Open as she and partner Veronika Kudermetova defeated Aryna Sabalenka and Elise Mertens 7-6(3), 6-2 in tonight's doubles final.
Earlier in the day, Sabalenka won the singles title at the Wuhan Open and she intends to continue playing in the doubles final, where the Belarusian Grand Slam player aceed the opening match of the tournament.
However, Duan/Kudermetova matched up with Salalenka/Mertens in the midfield match. Both pairs got three aces in the first set, and neither of them lost any games in the decider.
The tolerant crowd roared, and Duan/Kudermetova turned the tables in the tiebreak, leading 4-0 before eventually winning 7-3.
The second set started with the same urgency, with the pair holding their respective service matches at 3-2, before Duan/Kudmetova stretched out her legs for the next three games and won 6-2.