Gadecki–Peers Rewrite Australian Open History with Back-to-Back Mixed Doubles Title

Australia’s Olivia Gadecki and John Peers etched their names into tennis history by clinching the Australian Open 2026 mixed doubles title, becoming the first pair in 37 years to successfully defend the crown at Melbourne Park. With this triumph, they also achieved a rare national milestone, emerging as the first Australian duo in 62 years to win the mixed doubles title in consecutive years.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the Rod Laver Arena, the defending champions staged a remarkable comeback in the final to defeat France’s Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard in a gripping three-set battle, 4-6, 6-3, 10-8.

The French pair dominated early proceedings, taking the opening set 6-4 and appearing firmly in control of the contest. However, Gadecki and Peers showed immense composure and resilience to turn the tide in the second set, raising their intensity and breaking their opponents’ rhythm to level the match.

The championship was ultimately decided in a dramatic super tie-break. At one stage, the Australian pair trailed 5-7, leaving the home crowd anxious. But drawing energy from the stands, Gadecki and Peers mounted a fierce fightback, winning crucial points under pressure to seal victory 10-8 on their second championship point.

This historic feat places them alongside elite company. The last team to defend the Australian Open mixed doubles title was Jana Novotná and Jim Pugh in 1989. For Australia, the previous instance of back-to-back mixed doubles champions dates back 62 years, when Margaret Court and Ken Fletcher achieved the honor.

As the stadium erupted in celebration, the moment marked not just a title win, but a defining chapter in Australian tennis history—one of grit, belief, and homegrown excellence.