Aussie wildcards Jason Kubler and Rinky Hijikata have scored a major upset to advance to the Australian Open 2023 men’s doubles semifinals.
Melbourne, Australia, 25 January 2023 | Leigh Rogers
The most exciting chapter yet has unfolded in Jason Kubler and Rinky Hijikata’s incredible Australian Open 2023 story.
The Aussie wildcards scored a stunning 6-3 6-1 victory against No.1 seeds Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands and Brit Neal Skupski in men’s doubles quarterfinal action today at Melbourne Park.
World No.3s Koolhof and Skupski were the world’s best team in 2022, winning seven titles from 10 final appearances.
But Kubler and Hijikata dominated their showdown today, not facing a break point and losing only nine points on serve in the 66-minute demolition.
“We started off a little bit better than our last two matches, so that was good for us,” a delighted Hijikata told an excited Kia Arena crowd.
“Kubes brought it from the first point and I mean, he played some unbelievable ball today. Thanks everybody for coming out. You guys really brought it too and it’s so much fun to play here.”
They’ve done it!
The wildcard, homegrown duo of @rinky_23 and @JasonMKubler have toppled the No.1 pairing of Koolhof/Skupski 6-3 6-1.
They’re into a Grand Slam semifinal! Scenes.@wwos• @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/NZ9ReO0XeU
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2023
It continues a magical run for the 29-year-old Kubler and 21-year-old Hijikata, who had never played together before this tournament.
They have now eliminated five top-20 players, two seeded teams and saved a match point during their march into the semifinals.
“It was bloody hot today and the energy you guys brought was unbelievable,” said Kubler, also acknowledging the home-crowd support. “We really thrive off it and that’s why we play such great dubs.”
This is only Kubler’s third career appearance in a Grand Slam men’s doubles draw, while Hijikata is making his second.
Earlier in the day, John Peers fell short in his quest to become the third Aussie player (behind the esteemed Woodies, Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge) to advance to three Australian Open men’s doubles semifinals in Melbourne Park’s 35-year history.
Eighth seeds Marcel Granollers of Spain and Horacio Zeballos from Argentina proved too strong in their quarterfinal battle, edging out a 6-4 6-7(2) 6-2 victory in…
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