Aussie duo Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler have continued their spectacular run in the Australian Open 2023 men’s doubles competition.
Melbourne, Australia, 26 January 2023 | Leigh Rogers
The fairytale run is continuing for Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler at Australian Open 2023.
The Aussie wildcards, who are teaming up for the first time at this tournament, have earned their place in the men’s doubles final.
The 21-year-old Hijikata and 29-year-old Kubler recorded a remarkable 6-4 6-2 semifinal victory today against eighth seeds Marcel Granollers of Spain and Horacio Zeballos of Argentina at Rod Laver Arena.
“This is the first time I’ve played during the day on Rod Laver Arena, so I was, to be honest, a little bit nervous coming out,” Kubler said. “But then as soon as our energy starts going, I’m not even thinking anymore. I’m just swinging.”
The Aussies produced another near flawless display on serve, not being broken and conceding just 14 points in total across their service games, in the 82-minute encounter.
Playing with freedom and exuberant energy, the Aussie duo prevented world No.14 Zeballos and world No.16 Granollers from progressing to their third Grand Slam final as a team.
“Who would have thought?” Kubler said. “We both returned unbelievable I thought.”
IN DREAMLAND 🤩
Rinky and Kubes power through to the men’s doubles final after a straight sets victory, 6-4 6-2 🔥🙌#GoAussies • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/sUQcJpEcD2
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) January 26, 2023
World No.277 Hijikata and world No.163 Kubler have now beaten three seeded teams and eliminated seven top 20-ranked opponents, as well as saving a match point, during their giant-killing run at Australian Open 2023.
This effort makes Hijikata, from New South Wales, and Kubler, from Queensland, only the sixth all-Australian team to reach an Australian Open men’s doubles final in Melbourne Park’s 35-year history.
| Australian Open men’s doubles All-Australian finalists at Melbourne Park |
|
| Team | Year |
| Darren Cahill/Mark Kratzmann | 1989 |
| Todd Woodbridge/Mark Woodforde | 1992, 1997, 1998 |
| Max Purcell/Luke Saville | 2020 |
| Nick Kyrgios/Thanasi Kokkinakis | 2022 |
| Matt Ebden/Max Purcell | 2022 |
| Rinky Hijikata/Jason Kubler | 2023 |
The Australian Open 2023 men’s doubles final will be played on Saturday night, following the women’s singles final.
The Aussies face world No.40 Nys, a 31-year-old from Monaco, and…
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