Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans have ignited Australian Open fever by reaching the men’s doubles final as wildcards. The pair’s 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 defeat of Luke Johnson and Jan Zielinski in the semis has fans dreaming big.
Playing through pain, Kubler’s knee bandage didn’t hinder his fireworks: a high-flying smash broke early, and pinpoint returns doubled down for set-point dominance. Polmans’ ice-cool hold finished set one.
Second-set serve jitters – a mere 39% first serves in – gifted the set away. But the Aussies regrouped masterfully. Polmans’ defensive masterclass in game seven set up the breaker, and a decisive return winner from Zielinski handed victory.
Skupski and Harrison, victors over Granollers-Zeballos, loom large in the final. Kubler’s 2023 title defense as wildcard adds stakes; Polmans’ breakthrough final caps a career milestone.
As Melbourne Park pulses with anticipation, these local lads embody the wildcard spirit – ready to shock the world anew.