Melbourne: In a thrilling all-Australian summit clash at the Rod Laver Arena, Olivia Gadecki and John Peers, who entered the tournament as wild cards, emerged victorious in the Australian Open mixed doubles championship on Friday. They defeated compatriots Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith in a hard-fought battle, finishing 3-6, 6-4 (10-6) in one hour and twenty-four minutes.
Historic Triumph
The victory marked a significant milestone for Gadecki and Peers, as they became the first all-Australian mixed doubles champions since 2013, when Matt Ebden and Jarmila Gajdosova clinched the title. This achievement makes them only the fourth all-Australian duo to win the title in the Open era, joining the ranks of:
- Ebden and Gajdosova (2013)
- Scott Draper and Samantha Stosur (2005)
- Mark Woodforde and Nicole Provis (1992)
The Melbourne crowd erupted with joy as Grand Slam legends Lesley Bowrey and Bill Bowrey presented the trophy to the champions, capping off a memorable evening for Australian tennis.
Peers’ Legacy and Gadecki’s Breakthrough
For John Peers, this victory further solidifies his status as one of Australia’s tennis greats. At 36, Peers has now secured:
- The 2017 Australian Open men’s doubles title with Henri Kontinen
- The 2022 US Open mixed doubles title with Storm Sanders
- An Olympic gold medal in doubles with Matthew Ebden at the Paris Games
This Melbourne win adds another feather to Peers’ illustrious cap, while marking a significant breakthrough for his young partner, Olivia Gadecki, 22, who celebrated her first Grand Slam title.
The Road to Victory
The duo’s journey to the title was anything but easy. They demonstrated resilience and grit throughout the tournament, especially in the quarterfinals where they faced a tough challenge from Indian star Rohan Bopanna and his Chinese partner Zhang Shuai. After trailing in the match, Gadecki and Peers rallied to secure victory in a nail-biting tiebreaker.
Their determination carried them all the way to the final, where they overcame a first-set loss to triumph against Birrell and Smith.
A Bright Future for Australian Tennis
The victory of Gadecki and Peers signals a promising future for Australian tennis, as the country continues to produce champions on the global stage. The ecstatic home crowd at the Rod Laver Arena witnessed a historic moment that will inspire future generations of Australian players.
As the dust settles on the Australian Open 2025, this remarkable victory by Gadecki and Peers will be remembered as a testament to teamwork, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Australian tennis.
