Australian pair Gadecki and Peers triumph in Melbourne to win the mixed doubles title

Australians Olivia Gadecki (22) and John Peers (36) overcame a set deficit to triumph over fellow countrymen Kimberly Birrell (26) and John-Patrick Smith (36) with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 10-6 in the mixed doubles final held at Melbourne Park on Saturday.

Birrell and Smith quickly established a 3-0 advantage in the first set on Rod Laver Arena. Although they were narrowed to 5-2, they maintained their composure to secure the set in just 34 minutes.

Gadecki and Peers elevated their performance to equalize the match in a closely contested second set, ultimately prevailing in the 10-point tiebreaker. This victory marks them as the fourth Australian pair in the Open era to claim the mixed doubles title at this tournament.

For Gadecki, this victory represents her inaugural mixed doubles title at a Grand Slam, while Peers celebrates his second, having previously won the 2022 US Open in this category. The 36-year-old also secured a gold medal in men's doubles at the Paris Olympics with compatriot Matthew Ebden and won the 2017 Australian Open alongside Finnish player Henri Kontinen.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to Kim and JP for a remarkable week; it is truly wonderful to compete in an all-Aussie final," Gadecki remarked during the post-match presentation.

"Thank you so much for partnering with me, Peersy, and allowing me to enjoy this experience."

Smith, who was also a finalist in the mixed doubles at Melbourne Park in 2019, had hoped for a more celebratory occasion on his 36th birthday.

"I apologize for not securing the win on your birthday, but I hope that (singing) can make up for it a little," Birrell said, encouraging the audience to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Smith.

This match marked the first all-Australian final at the tournament in the Open era and the first since 1967. It also signifies the 14th instance in which a home player has been crowned champion in at least one category at the Australian Open.