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.