In a historic clash on Rod Laver Arena, Olivia Gadecki and John Peers claimed the Australian Open mixed doubles title with a spirited comeback and a commanding performance in the match tie-break. The duo triumphed over compatriots Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith, securing a 3-6, 6-4, 10-6 victory in an 84-minute contest.
Gadecki and Peers entered the tournament as wildcards, yet they demonstrated exceptional resilience and teamwork throughout the match. After dropping the first set, they rallied to level the contest and dominated the decisive tie-break. Gadecki, one of Australia’s rising tennis stars, delivered several critical plays in the closing stages, including a powerful smash on match point. Reflecting on her performance, she expressed pride in her efforts, particularly in the final moments of the match.
Peers, a seasoned player with multiple Grand Slam titles to his name, praised the efforts of their opponents and acknowledged the close nature of the contest. Despite a strong start by Birrell and Smith, including a break in the second game of the first set, the momentum shifted in the second set when Smith double-faulted at a crucial juncture, allowing Gadecki and Peers to seize the opportunity and take the match into a tie-break.
The victory marked a significant achievement for Gadecki and Peers, as they became the first Australian pair to win the mixed doubles title at Melbourne Park since 2013. It was also the first all-Australian mixed doubles final in the Open Era, a rare occurrence in modern tennis. Their triumph adds to Australia’s strong doubles tradition, with recent successes in both men’s and women’s doubles at the tournament.
For Gadecki, the win was a welcome boost after a disappointing singles campaign. Despite her early exit in singles, she showcased her potential in the doubles format and expressed gratitude to Peers for his support and partnership. At 22 years old, Gadecki is poised to make further strides in her career and is aiming to break into the top 100 rankings this year.
Peers, who has enjoyed a decorated career, added another accolade to his resume with this victory. The veteran player has previously won mixed doubles titles at Grand Slam events in Melbourne and New York, as well as an Australian Open men’s doubles title and an Olympic gold medal in men’s doubles. His experience and composure were instrumental in guiding the pair to success.
Despite the loss, the final was a memorable occasion for Birrell and Smith. Birrell, who has been in excellent form during the Australian summer, is set to achieve a career-high singles ranking in the 90s. Smith, who celebrated his 35th birthday on the day of the match, contributed to an engaging and competitive final. The pair’s performance highlighted the depth of Australian talent in doubles tennis.
The prize money for the mixed doubles champions totaled $175,000, split between Gadecki and Peers, while the runners-up shared $97,750. Although the sums are modest compared to the singles champions’ $3.5 million prizes, the victory was a significant achievement for Gadecki and Peers and a testament to their determination and skill.
In other Australian Open news, junior player Emerson Jones fell short in the girls’ singles semi-final, losing to fourth seed Wakana Sonobe. The Japanese player, who had already defeated another Australian in the previous round, proved too strong for Jones, securing a 6-3, 6-4 victory in 74 minutes. Despite the loss, Jones’s performance in the tournament showcased her potential as a promising talent in Australian tennis.
