TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei (謝淑薇) and Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia advanced to the WTA Brisbane International doubles final Friday (Jan. 9), defeating Ukrainian twins 6-2, 6-4. The top-seeded pair beat Lyudmyla Kichenok and Nadiia Kichenok to secure their spot in the championship match of the prestigious WTA 500 event, which serves as a key warm-up tournament ahead of the Australian Open. Hsieh and Ostapenko will face third-seeded Ellen Perez of Australia and Cristina Bucsa of Spain in Saturday's final.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Hsieh and Ostapenko, who entered the Brisbane International as the top seeds in the women's doubles category and are now seeking their first title of the 2026 season. The Taiwanese-Latvian duo dominated the opening set, winning 6-2 to establish early control of the semifinal match against the Kichenok sisters. The Brisbane International, held annually in Australia, attracts top players preparing for the season's first Grand Slam tournament.
The second set proved more competitive, with both teams locked at 4-4 after eight games before Hsieh and Ostapenko broke serve in the crucial ninth game. The decisive service break gave the top seeds the momentum they needed, allowing them to close out the match 6-4 and advance to the championship round. A victory in Saturday's final would give Hsieh, one of Taiwan's most accomplished tennis players, her first doubles title of the new season alongside Ostapenko. ◼