Australian underdog Rinky Hijikata teamed up with Dutch player David Pel to achieve a remarkable feat at Wimbledon, advancing to the men’s doubles final after stunning the World No.1 duo of Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic. The unseeded pair triumphed in a nail-biting match that concluded with scores of 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), and 7-6 (11-9), saving two match points along the way, much to the delight of the crowd on Court No.1.
Hijikata’s victory marks him as the fifth Australian to reach the men’s doubles final at Wimbledon in the last ten years, joining the ranks of notable players like John Peers and Matt Ebden. Remarkably, Hijikata and Pel had never spoken before teaming up last week, as they were initially listed as alternates. This unexpected partnership led to a series of stunning performances, including earlier wins against seeded teams, showcasing their strong on-court chemistry developed in a short time.
In the final, Hijikata and Pel are set to face British pair Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool. Hijikata demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure with a spectacular forehand winner that sealed their victory. His celebration, along with Pel’s joy as he fell to the court, highlighted the thrilling nature of their win.
This accomplishment is part of a broader positive trend for Australian tennis, as Hijikata will be aiming for his second Grand Slam doubles title, having previously claimed victory at the Australian Open in 2023. Notably, it suggests a burgeoning renaissance for Australian talent at major tennis tournaments, with Olivia Gadecki also vying for a spot in the women’s final, illustrating a promising future for the sport down under.