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Australia's Matthew Ebden and John Peers (Source: X)
Matthew Ebden and John Peers made history in the men's doubles at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Saturday (August 03). The formidable duo ended Australia’s 28-year wait for a gold medal in tennis by defeating the American team of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in the final.
Ebden and Peers entered the tournament as one of the favourites, but the gold medal drought looked set to continue for another four years. However, they staged an exceptional comeback to wrap up a 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (7-1) 10-8 victory at Roland Garros.
Also Check: Paris Olympics 2024 Tennis: Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz preview, stats and odds of final match
The Aussies dropped the first set of the tournament and also trailed 4-2 in the second set, but recovered the momentum to force a super tiebreak. Their remarkable fighting mentality was full-on display as they surged ahead to a 9-5 lead. However, the American pair did not give up and made the scoreline 9-8.
As the tiebreak entered into a nerve-racking moment, Peers produced an ice-cool volley after his serve, followed by a smash to secure victory. Notably, the 36-year-old added this gold to the bronze he clinched in mixed doubles with Ash Barty at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
Ebden converts his miserable start in Paris into success
Ebden did not receive a warm welcome at the Paris Olympics as he lost miserably to Novak Djokovic in the first round of the men's singles. The World No. 1 in men’s doubles was forced to participate in the singles due to the withdrawal of players. As per the rules, any players withdrawing from singles competition after July 19 will only be replaced by players who are competing in another event.
Ebden has not played a top-level singles match for two years. The Australian was thrashed by the Serbian 6-0, 6-1 in a 53-minute battle. After the match, Djokovic expressed his displeasure with the rules at the Olympics and called for changes. However, Ebden ended his Paris campaign on a high note.