Aussie Duo Matt Ebden and John Peers Clinch Gold in Men's Doubles at 2024 Olympics

PARIS, France — Matt Ebden and John Peers clinched Australia’s second tennis gold medal in Olympic history on Saturday, overcoming the American pair Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram. The Australian duo won 6-7 (6), 7-6 (1), 10-8 in a tense tiebreaker in the men’s doubles final at the 2024 Games.

A unique first-to-10, win-by-two tiebreaker format replaced the traditional third set.

Ebden and Peers found themselves trailing by a set and down 4-2 in the second when they broke Ram’s serve, initiating a remarkable comeback. Their gold medals are a historic follow-up to Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde’s 1996 victory in Atlanta.

Interestingly, Ebden initially made headlines in these Olympics as a fill-in singles player, where he lost 6-0, 6-1 to Novak Djokovic, raising questions about his placement in the singles bracket given his doubles specialization.

When the match concluded, the children of both Peers and Ebden joined them on the court, adding a poignant touch to the celebrations. Ebden even placed a replica gold medal around his son’s neck.

On the other side of the net, 40-year-old Ram was attempting to become the oldest player to win an Olympic tennis gold since the sport’s reintroduction in 1988. Teaming up with Krajicek, a 34-year-old Floridian, they hoped to become the third U.S. duo to secure men’s doubles gold—the last being Bob and Mike Bryan in 2012.

Ram and Krajicek, who had eliminated Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, will return home with silver medals. The Bryan twins—Bob now the U.S. men’s tennis coach, and Mike assisting with coaching duties—watched from the stands.

Later that day, another American pair, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, were set to compete for the bronze against Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek. Machac had already won gold in mixed doubles with Katerina Siniakova on Friday night.

Ram and Krajicek both have held the No. 1 ranking in doubles. Ram boasts four Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles and additional mixed doubles trophies. Krajicek also owns a Grand Slam title in men’s doubles.

Ebden, once ranked as high as No. 2, has claimed multiple Grand Slam trophies in both men’s and mixed doubles.

Peers has previously won an Olympic bronze in mixed doubles with Ash Barty at the Tokyo Games. He has reached No. 1 in doubles rankings and has one Grand Slam title each in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, notably defeating the Bryan brothers at the 2017 Australian Open.