Jason Kubler and Rinke Hijikata are happy to have reached the Australian Open 2023 men’s doubles final.
Melbourne, Australia, 26 January 2023 | leigh rogers
Jason Kubler and Rinki Hijikata cannot wipe the smiles off their faces after advancing to the Australian Open 2023 men’s doubles final.
The Australian wildcards were upbeat this evening as they reflected on their incredible run, which included a ousting the eighth seed in straight sets In today’s semi-finals.
World No. 163 Kubler and World No. 277 Hijikata have now beaten three seeded teams, knocked out seven top-20 ranked opponents and saved a match point to reach the final.
“It’s super special,” Kubler said. “You know, it’s something we probably weren’t expecting, and then even with the draws in this tournament, it’s been tough enough. To be able to cross against all these quality opponents, it’s a little more making it sweeter.
“Luckily we get a day off tomorrow so we can get a win like this. maybe enjoy it. Then focus on the doubles and finals tomorrow.
“See the ball and hit the ball” 😅
Rinki and Cub’s strategy is working great so far 😂#GoAussies , #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/l6w2HdUblq
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) January 26, 2023
Kubler and Hijikata will play world No. 40 Hugo Nieves, 31, of Monaco, and world No. 36 Jan Zielinski, 26, of Poland, in Saturday night’s final.
“I’m excited,” Hijikata said with a smile. “I wouldn’t have picked it at the start of the week. It’s just been so much fun, just getting to play more matches at home, getting to play in front of incredible crowds with the Cubs, so much fun to play with.” Is and is obviously an incredibly good player, singles or doubles.
“I’m just trying to absorb it all. To be honest, I really can’t believe it.”
Brisbane’s 29-year-old Kubler is competing in only his third Grand Slam doubles draw, while Sydney’s 21-year-old Hijikata is contesting his second.
“It’s just been unreal. I think I’m too young in terms of tennis and I just want to learn and get better. That’s the main focus for me,” said Hijikata, who made his Australian Open debut last summer. Entered the second round in doubles.
“I’m not really worried about anything else at the moment. Just trying to soak it all in, learn as much as I can, and just get better.”
Rinky and the Cube 🤝 @lleytonhewitt #GoAussies , #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/8AkoTPs3OL
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) January 26, 2023
It was Kubler’s third career doubles final at tour level and Hijikata’s first. Both aim to win their first major title.
“It’s a special moment for both of us. Obviously we want to win, but no matter how it goes, it’s been special,” Kubler said. “I’m definitely not going to forget it. I don’t think Rinke will either.
“Hopefully we can just ride the pace we’ve built and see how it holds on Saturday.”
> Buy Now: Australian Open 2023 Tickets
Book Online, Play Today: visit play.tennis.com.au To get out on the court and have some fun!
