Olivia Gadecki and John Peers claimed victory in a historic mixed doubles final at the Australian Open, marking the first all-Australian championship in this category since 1967. The duo triumphed against fellow Australians John-Patrick Smith and Kimberly Birrell with scores of 3-6, 6-4, 10-6 on Friday, showcasing their determination and skill on the renowned Rod Laver Arena.

Starting off the match on a challenging note, Gadecki and Peers found themselves down a set. However, their perseverance shone through as they rallied back in the second set and secured victory in the match tie-breaker, completing the contest in a time frame of 84 minutes according to The Guardian.

At just 22 years old, Gadecki celebrated her first Grand Slam title, while Peers, 36, solidified his legacy with a second mixed doubles Grand Slam victory, having previously won at the U.S. Open in 2022. The duo's effective teamwork included a decisive overhead smash from Gadecki that clinched the win.

During the post-match ceremony, Gadecki expressed her excitement for the victory by thanking Peers for the partnership. "Thanks so much for playing with me, Peersy, and letting me ride the wave," she said, highlighting the camaraderie between the two. Peers reciprocated praise for their opponents, emphasizing the significance of having an all-Aussie final as reported by Reuters.

Smith's birthday coincided with the match, and his teammate Birrell made light of the occasion by encouraging the audience to sing "Happy Birthday" after their defeat. The match not only celebrated local talent but also indicated a thriving future for Australian tennis in the mixed doubles arena.

This remarkable win for Gadecki and Peers further emphasizes the strength of Australian doubles tennis, being the first Australian pair to secure the mixed title at Melbourne Park since Matt Ebden and Jarmila Wolfe in 2013. With ongoing successes in doubles categories, Australian players continue to demonstrate their prowess on the international stage.

For more detailed coverage of the event, visit AP Tennis.