For the first time in 12 years, the Australian Open will see two homegrown pairings compete for the mixed doubles crown, as Kim Birrell and John-Patrick Smith join Olivia Gadecki and John Peers in the final.
The excitement reached fever pitch following thrilling semi-final victories on January 21, 2025. Gadecki and Peers overcame New Zealand's Erin Routliffe and Michael Venus with a straight-set score of 6-4, 6-4 on Margaret Court Arena. Meanwhile, Birrell and Smith, both wildcards, edged past Britain's Olivia Nicholls and Henry Patten, winning 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 as they booked their spot for the showdown on January 23.
With both teams aiming to make history, the stakes couldn't be higher. The last time Australians celebrated victory in this category was back in 2013 when Matt Ebden and Jarmila Wolfe (née Gajdosova) clinched the title. "It's incredible and I'm really looking forward to Friday. To have an All-Aussie final would be such a great opportunity - either way we've got an Aussie winning a slam. So that's pretty incredible," remarked Gadecki, brimming with anticipation.
After her spectacular return game helped command the match against the formidable opponents, Gadecki reflected on her electrifying experience at home. "It's very special to have made my first grand slam final here in Aus in front of a home crowd and family," she added, emphasizing the importance of this moment.
Birrell echoed the sentiment of joy and excitement, stating, "I'm just having the best time playing with JP and I think that's showing in my tennis. I'm just so, so stoked to play in a grand slam final, it's crazy." Her partnership with John-Patrick Smith has proven fruitful and deeply enjoyable, described by her as transformative for her game.
The current Australian Open marks the first grand slam final for both Birrell and Gadecki. Their experiences on the world stage vary, but both share the goal of ascending to the pinnacle of the sport. Gadecki, who recently broke the top 100 for the first time, aims to seize this opportunity to secure both confidence and monetary gains. The winners will split $175,000, with the runners-up taking home $97,750. These prizes could potentially be career-boosters for the young Australians.
Smith, 35, and Peers, 36, are seasoned professionals eager to add to their impressive arrays of accolades. Peers has previously won prestigious titles, which include Olympic men’s doubles gold with Matthew Ebden and multiple grand slam victories, alongside his mixed doubles bronze medal won with Ash Barty at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
All four competitors are hungry for the victory, aware of the honor at play. Their resolve intensifies the build-up for the pairs, especially as both sets of partners convey the significance of performing well on home soil.
The all-Australian final has generated considerable buzz among local tennis fans. It serves as more than just another match; it symbolizes resilience, teamwork, and the renewed aspirations of Australian tennis. The anticipation continues as Gadecki and Peers look to maintain their momentum against Birrell and Smith.
With the championship on the line, the stage is set for all four competitors to showcase their skills at Melbourne Park. The final promises to be not just competitive, but also historic, paving the way for what many hope is a new era of Australian success on the doubles circuit.
With the eyes and cheers of the home crowd behind them, both pairs are primed to chase the glory of victory—something every Australian tennis fan can rally behind. Whether it's the experience of Peers and Smith or the freshness of Gadecki and Birrell, one thing is certain: history is to be made at the 2025 Australian Open Mixed Doubles Final.