Australian duo Storm Sanders and John Peers have claimed the US Open mixed doubles final in a sensational clash that went all the way at the death.
The Aussies beat Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens and France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin 4-6 6-4 10-7, sealing the match tie-break with a Peers ace on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It made them the first Australians to win a mixed doubles grand slam title since Jarmila Wolfe and Matt Ebden at the 2013 Australian Open, and the first to do so in the US Open in 21 years.
Neither played had gone beyond the semi-final stage at Flushing Meadows before, and this was their first major tournament together. Peers was half of a memorable bronze-medal team at the Tokyo Olympics, combining with Ash Barty.
“To be honest, I still don’t think it’s really sunk in,” Sanders said in the post-match press conference.
“Even before the match, I was just thinking it’s another match, doesn’t matter. Amazing opportunity and a great challenge to be playing on the biggest court in the world in a Grand Slam final.”
“I can’t believe we are Grand Slam champions, that’s crazy,” Sanders told Peers in the trophy presentation.
“So, thank you so much for playing with me. We’ve been trying to set it up for the past year and I really enjoyed every moment on court with you.”
Peers said: “Stormy, we got one! Well done!
“It’s been a pleasure this week and a lot of fun, so hopefully we’ve got a few more coming up at some point.”
