AO 2025: Two Australian couples in the mixed doubles semi-finals

Melbourne, VIC, 21 janvier 2025 | Jackson Mansell

For the seventh consecutive year, Australia are represented by at least one pair in the mixed doubles semi-finals at Melbourne Park.

Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith, as well as Olivia Gadecki and John Peers, advanced to the final four after winning their respective semi-finals on Tuesday evening.

Birrell and Smith beat third seeds Ellen Perez and Kevin Krawietz 6-2, 3-6 [10-6]allowing Smith to sign his third appearance in the mixed doubles semi-final, he who believes that the key to success in this format lies in simplicity and pleasure.

“I think because of the past successes here I’ve had great partners, to be honest I’ve been around easy-going people, who want to have fun too, and we keep things very simple,” Smith said.

“We don’t do anything complicated. We’re having fun and it’s a great way to stay longer here in Australia. So, you really have to enjoy these moments and I don’t take any of these moments here for granted. »

Alongside fellow Queenslander Birrell, who has made an excellent start to the 2025 season, this duo are now on to back-to-back wins against ranked opponents.

“That’s probably why she returns so well,” Smith said of Birrell’s form in singles, which paid off well in doubles. “She returned the guys’ serve with great precision. She performed well in Brisbane, she qualified here and also shone with Olivia (Gadecki) in doubles. She has a lot of experience and that translates to her success on the court this summer. »

Gadecki reached his third consecutive mixed doubles semi-final at the Australian Open after eliminating Zhang Shuai and Rohan Bopanna with John Peers.

The duo was able to turn the situation around after losing the first set, winning in a super tie-break.

“It’s incredible. I’m really excited to be able to get back on the court and share this one with Peersy. It’s a real honor, I’m looking forward to it,” Gadecki said.

“There wasn’t much in that first set. I felt like I could do better. Peersy was just telling me to hold on and ride the wave, hoping we’d get a chance at some point to take advantage of it. »

The 22-year-old is thriving alongside the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalist.

“He’s been a huge factor in this team and it’s nice to have some guidance. My role is just to put that into practice,” she explained. “We actually have fun on the field and we want to win, but we’re also there to laugh and have a good time. »

The duo will face second seeds Erin Routliffe and Michael Venus on Wednesday for a place in the mixed doubles final.

Aussies in action – Australian Open

RESULTS OF THE DAY

Mixed doubles, quarter-finals

[WC] Kimberly Birrell (AUS)/John-Patrick Smith (AUS) d [3] Ellen Perez (AUS)/Kevin Krawietz (GER) 6-2 3-6 [10-6]
[WC] Olivia Gadecki (AUS)/John Peers (AUS) d Shuai Zhang (CHN)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) 2-6 6-4 [11-9]

TO COME

Mixed doubles, semi-finals

[WC] Olivia Gadecki (AUS)/John Peers (AUS) against [2] Erin Routliffe [NZL]/Michael Venus [NZL]
[WC] Kimberly Birrell (AUS)/John-Patrick Smith (AUS) against Olivia Nicholls [GBR]/Henry Patten [GBR]