Australian wildcards Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler pulled off a stunning win over Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski to claim the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open.
Hijikata and Kubler cruised to a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win in front of a raucous crowd at Rod Laver Arena.
The two, who had not played together before this year’s major, beat seven top-20 ranked pairs to advance to the final.
“I don’t know what to say – it’s a pleasant surprise,” Kubler said.
Hijikata and Kubler overwhelmed their opponents, doubles specialists but playing in a Grand Slam final for the first time.
They previously beat top seeds Neal Skupski of Great Britain and Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
They succeed compatriots Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis as Melbourne doubles champions.
“I wasn’t sure about playing when Rinky asked me,” Kubler said. “Two weeks later we have the trophy.”
Hijikata added, “It was ridiculous. I’ve never experienced anything like it.
“Kubs, I’m so glad you said yes to play with me.”
