Kubler and Polmans, entering on a wild card, refused to go down without a fight. Trailing 2-5 in the first set, they mounted a stunning comeback to push it to a tiebreak, delighting the partisan crowd. But Harrison and Skupski’s composure shone through, as they won four consecutive points to pocket the set. The second set saw them break early and hold firm, with Harrison’s clutch ace clinching the second match point.

This victory follows their semifinal masterclass against two-time 2025 major winners Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos, triumphed 6-3, 7-6(7). Kubler was chasing a second Aussie Open doubles crown after his 2023 wild card success with Rinky Hijikata, backed by a 14-3 record at Melbourne Park. For Polmans, reaching the final topped his previous best, a 2017 semifinal.

Women’s doubles went to Elise Mertens and Shuai Zhang, who defeated Anna Danilina and Alexandra Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4—their ninth Slam title as a duo from only seven joint events since reuniting post their 2022 Wimbledon. Friday’s mixed doubles saw Gabusewicz and Peers defend their crown, a feat unmatched in 37 years.

Despite Kubler’s knee woes – multiple surgeries and a visible strap – he dominated early. An acrobatic overhead smash broke serve first, followed by laser-like returns that left opponents scrambling. The first set was a clinic, wrapped up at 6-2.

Serve woes plagued the Aussies in set two, with first-serve accuracy dipping alarmingly low. Johnson and Zielinski capitalized to force a third. Polmans’ heroic hold at 40-40 in the seventh game of the decider turned the tide, and the break that followed sealed a dramatic comeback.

In the other semi, Neal Skupski – once the world’s top doubles player – and Christian Harrison breezed past Granollers and Zeballos 6-4, 6-4. This powerhouse duo will test the Aussies’ mettle in Sunday’s final.

Kubler’s prior AO doubles crown in 2023 with Hijikata adds intrigue; he’s chasing history as a wildcard again. For Polmans, it’s uncharted territory – his first GS final after a 2017 semi run. Fans are buzzing: can these underdogs deliver Aussie joy?

Despite Kubler’s knee – wrapped and battle-tested from past operations – the pair dominated early. A spectacular overhead smash broke serve first, followed by razor-sharp returns that built a commanding 5-1 edge. Polmans’ flawless hold closed the set in style.

Momentum swung in the second as first-serve woes plagued the Aussies (39% success rate), gifting the opposition a set. Undeterred, they regrouped in the third. Polmans held firm under pressure at 6-6 deuce in game seven, then the breakthrough came immediately after, breaking Johnson.

A final error from Zielinski sealed the win. Waiting in the final are seasoned pros Neal Skupski – once world No. 1 – and Christian Harrison, who cruised past Granollers and Zeballos earlier.

Kubler’s prior AO triumph in 2023 with Hijikata adds pedigree, while for Polmans, this is uncharted Grand Slam final territory since his 2017 semis. Can the locals lift the trophy on home soil? Expect fireworks.