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Wimbledon crowd blown away after Aussie does the unthinkable against World No.1
There were stunning scenes at Wimbledon on Thursday as Aussie underdog Rinky Hijikata advanced to the men's doubles final by taking down the World No.1 pairing. The unseeded pairing of Hijikata and Dutch partner David Pel sent the crowd on Court No.1 into pandemonium after beating Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 [11-9].
Croatian player Pavic and El Salvadorian partner Arevalo are the World No.1 pairing in men's doubles, and the top seeds at Wimbledon. There were expected to account for Hijikata and Pel with ease on Thursday, but the Aussie had other ideas.
The underdogs saved two match points against the top seeds, ensuring Hijikata became the fifth Australian to reach the men's doubles final at Wimbledon in the last 10 editions. He joins John Peers, Matt Ebden, Max Purcell (twice) and Jordan Thompson as Aussies to play in the decider at the All England Club in the last decade.
Hijikata and Pel will take on British pair Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in Saturday's decider (Sunday morning Australian time) after creating a huge boilover on Thursday. Hijikata came up clutch on match point, producing a stunning forehand winner across court to seal the victory.
Pel fell to the court in celebration and threw his racquet in the air, while Hijikata turned to his support staff and pointed to his arm, saying he had "ice in his veins". He later explained: "I was telling them that, yeah, I've got ice in my veins. I think we came up with some good stuff when we needed to."
Hijikata and Pel trailed 7-9 in the match tiebreaker, with Pavic and Arevalo only needing one more point for victory. But it was Hijikata who bailed his team out on both occasions - hence the 'ice in my veins' comment.
Remarkably, Hijikata and Pel had never spoken to each other before teaming up last week, and they wouldn't even be playing if not for another team's withdrawal. The Aussie and Dutchman were initially only listed as 'alternates', but were promoted into the draw when another pairing pulled out.
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They also save two match points in their first round win against No.8 seeds Andre Goransson and Sem Verbeek, and knocked off No.3 seeds Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the third round. "It's crazy," Hijikata said, recalling how they only got together by chance.
"I remembered (from playing against Pel once) he had a big serve, was a lefty, and was really good on the grass. So I was like, may as well see if he's interested in playing. And now here we are. It's worked out unbelievably."
The crowd on Court No.1 erupted when Hijikata sealed the victory, and tennis fans watching at home were equally as stunned.
Amazing finish to save 2 match points. Classy return by Pel. Rinky to serve it out. Ice in his veins for the win!
— SuMc (@mc_sumac) July 10, 2025
Insane tennis from being 9-8 down to winning 3 point in a row 🔥🔥
— Dibyanshu (@_Dibyanshu73) July 10, 2025
Crazy scenes 🤯
— Brisbane 2032 (@Brisbane_2032) July 10, 2025
Hands down match of the tournament 🙌 🔥
— Will Boucek (@WillBoucek) July 10, 2025
Saved 2 match down the top they're in the Wimbledon final! 🎾🔥Rinky & Pel just served up one of the greatest shocks of the tournament — and did it in style! 💪💥#Wimbledon #Hijikata #DavidPel
— Arshad Saifi (@ArshadS90573671) July 10, 2025
This is so awesome
— Danny Fanta (@DannyFantaPizza) July 10, 2025
Hijikata will be shooting for his second grand slam doubles title, after winning the Australian Open with compatriot Jason Kubler in 2023. It marks the second year running that an Aussie will contest the men's doubles final at Wimbledon, after Purcell and Thompson held championship points last year but fell agonisingly short. Purcell and Ebden won the title together in 2022, while Peers lost the decider in 2015 with Jamie Murray.
Olivia Gadecki has the chance to make it two Australians in Wimbledon finals this year, with the Queenslander and American partner Desirae Krawczyk in the women's semi-finals on Friday night. They'll take on Belgian No.8 seeds Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova for a place in the decider.
