Australian players Rinki Hijikata and Jason Kuebler produced a stunning victory over Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski to win the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open.
Hijikata and Kubler cruised to a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory in front of a raucous home crowd at Rod Laver Arena.
The two, who had not played together before this year’s major, defeated seven top-20-ranked pairs to reach the final.
“I don’t know what to say – it’s a pleasant surprise,” said Kuebler.
Hijikata and Kubler defeated opponents who are doubles specialists but are making their first appearance in a Grand Slam final.
Earlier, they defeated Neil Skupski from Great Britain and Dutchman Wesley Kolhoff in the quarterfinals.
They replaced compatriots Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis in the Melbourne doubles.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to play when Rinke asked me,” Kuebler said. “Two weeks later, we got the trophy.”
Hijikata added: “It was funny. I have never felt anything like it.
“Cubs, I’m so glad you agreed to play with me.”
