Tennis has recorded its best Olympic results in 28 years, with Australian super dads, 36-year-olds Matt Ebden and John Peers leading the way, winning gold in the Men’s Tennis Doubles.
The duo defeated American No.4 seeds Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in a blockbuster final on Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros, 6-7(6) 7-6(1) [10-8]. The win marks the first gold medal for Australian Olympic tennis in 28 years. The last gold medal was won by “The Woodies” Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde at Atlanta 1996.
In the Men’s Singles, twenty-five-year-old Alexei Popyrin posted Australia’s best result since London 2012. The Sydneysider advanced to the men’s third round before falling to world No.4 Alexander Zverev of Germany.
World No.9 Women’s Doubles player Ellen Perez and world No.3 Men’s Doubles player Matt won through to the Mixed Doubles quarter-finals.
Overall, five Australian tennis players made their debut in Paris including Matt, Alexei, Alex de Minaur, Rinky Hijikata, and Olivia Gadecki.
The women’s team was led by captain and five-time Olympian Sam Stosur, as well as coach and two-time Olympian Nicole Pratt. Three-time Olympian Lleyton Hewitt and men’s coach Jaymon Crabb led the men’s team.
