Australian tennis fans witnessed a heartbreaking conclusion to a remarkable run as local hopes Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans fell just short of a fairytale doubles title at the Australian Open on Saturday. The unseeded Aussie pair, competing together for the very first time in this tournament, succumbed to the sixth-seeded duo of Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski in a tightly contested final, with the scoreline reading 7-6(4) 6-4.
A Captivating Campaign Ends in Disappointment
The Australian combination had electrified Melbourne Park throughout their captivating campaign, stringing together a series of memorable victories that had the home crowd roaring with support. Their journey, however, met a crushing end in the championship match. Despite fighting spirit and moments of brilliance, they ultimately failed to capitalise on key opportunities against their more experienced opponents.
A Tale of Two Aussies: Silver Lining and Bitter Disappointment
The result brought mixed emotions for the two Australians. For Jason Kubler, there remains a significant silver lining. He will depart Melbourne Park with a substantial prizemoney bonus, greatly aiding wedding plans with his fiancée, fellow tennis professional Maddison Inglis. The newly engaged couple's combined earnings from the tournament will approach $1 million, bolstered by Inglis's incredible run from qualifying to the fourth round in singles, her doubles participation, and Kubler's own main draw qualification.
Kubler was bidding to win his second major doubles title, having previously triumphed at the 2023 Australian Open alongside Rinky Hijikata. For Marc Polmans, however, the defeat represents bitter disappointment, marking a missed chance in his first-ever appearance in a Grand Slam final.
How the Final Unfolded: Crucial Moments Prove Decisive
The match was a battle of fine margins. Both pairs had early break point chances, but it was the sixth seeds who struck first, breaking Kubler's serve at 2-3 in the opening set. The Australians demonstrated resilience, breaking back when Harrison served for the set, forcing a tense tiebreaker.
A poorly timed double fault from Polmans at 3-2 up in that tiebreaker proved to be a pivotal moment. Harrison and Skupski seized the initiative, stepping up under pressure to clinch the first set. They carried that momentum into the second set, breaking Polmans's serve early to establish control.
True to their fighting spirit, Kubler and Polmans saved two match points, but could not create another decisive opportunity as the sixth seeds served out the victory. This triumph marks Christian Harrison's maiden Grand Slam title, while Neal Skupski adds a fourth major to his collection, which includes three Wimbledon crowns.
Mertens Reclaims World No.1 Ranking with Victory
In the women's doubles final, Elise Mertens of Belgium has stormed back to the top of the world rankings after partnering with China's Zhang Shuai to claim the Australian Open title. The pair overcame a tough first set and some nervous moments to defeat seventh seeds Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic 7-6(7-4) 6-4 in one hour and forty-eight minutes.
After racing to a 5-0 lead in the second set, they momentarily faltered, losing four consecutive games. However, when serving for the championship, Mertens held her nerve to secure the victory. This marks their first major title together, having previously lost the 2022 Wimbledon final.
For Mertens, this is her sixth Grand Slam doubles title, propelling her back to the world No.1 ranking she first attained in May 2021. Zhang adds a second Australian Open crown to her resume, having won in 2019 with Australian legend Sam Stosur, who was on hand to present the trophy. The victory caps a productive Australian summer for Mertens, who also reached the fourth round in singles before falling to eventual finalist Elena Rybakina. An emotional Mertens was left almost speechless during the trophy presentation, reflecting on their narrow escape in the second round where they saved three match points.
