Gadecki and Peers on the Brink of History in Australian Open Mixed Doubles Final
MELBOURNE, 30 January 2026 – Australian wildcards Olivia Gadecki and John Peers are set to contest the Australian Open mixed doubles final this evening, standing on the precipice of a historic achievement. The defending champions are aiming to become the first pairing in 37 years to win consecutive titles at Melbourne Park, facing the formidable all-French combination of Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard on Rod Laver Arena.
The Path to the Final
The all-Australian duo’s title defence has been a story of resilience and clutch performances. They booked their place in the final with a nail-biting semi-final victory over Nikola Mektic and Taylor Townsend, prevailing 7-6 (7-2), 2-6, (13-11) in a dramatic match tiebreak. Earlier in the tournament, they navigated a tough quarter-final against the experienced pairing of Mate Pavic and Aleksandra Krunic. Their campaign has captured the imagination of the local crowd, who will be out in force to support them in the championship match.
Chasing a 37-Year Drought
The last pairing to successfully defend the Australian Open mixed doubles crown was the American-Australian duo of Jana Novotná and Jim Pugh in 1989. Since then, no team has managed the feat, making the potential achievement by Gadecki and Peers particularly significant. A victory would also add a second Grand Slam mixed doubles title to the resume of John Peers, a Paris Olympics gold medallist, and mark a career-defining moment for the 23-year-old Olivia Gadecki.
Key Facts & Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Australian Open 2026 Mixed Doubles Final |
| Contestants | Olivia Gadecki / John Peers (AUS) vs. Kristina Mladenovic / Manuel Guinard (FRA) |
| Venue | Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park |
| Date | 30 January 2026 |
| Historical Context | First back-to-back champions since Jana Novotná & Jim Pugh in 1989 |
| Road to Final (Semi) | Def. Mektic/Townsend 7-6(2), 2-6, (13-11) |
The Challenge Ahead
Standing in their way is a seasoned and dangerous French pairing. Kristina Mladenovic is a former world No. 1 in doubles and a multiple Grand Slam champion, bringing immense experience and tactical nous. Partnered with Manuel Guinard, a capable doubles player, they present a significant obstacle. Early reports from the final indicate the French pair have taken the first set, meaning Gadecki and Peers will need to mount a comeback from a set down if they are to claim the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Olivia Gadecki and John Peers?
Olivia Gadecki is a 23-year-old Australian tennis player with a career-high singles ranking of 83. John Peers is a 36-year-old Australian doubles specialist and a former world No. 2, who won a gold medal in mixed doubles at the Paris 2024 Olympics. They are the defending Australian Open mixed doubles champions.
When was the last time a pair won back-to-back Australian Open mixed doubles titles?
The last team to achieve this was Jana Novotná of Czechoslovakia and Jim Pugh of the United States, who won the title in both 1988 and 1989.
What is at stake in the final?
Beyond the prestige of winning an Australian Open title, Gadecki and Peers have the opportunity to end a 37-year drought for consecutive champions and solidify their partnership as one of the most successful in recent Australian tennis history.