The formidable doubles partnership of Matt Ebden and John Peers prevailed once again, ousting America's Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul 7-5, 6-2 to book their ticket for the gold medal decider.
A 28-year drought could potentially be broken as the legendary pairing of ‘The Woodies’ involving Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde stood on top of the podium at the 1996 Atlanta Games - the last time Australia won gold at an Olympic tennis event.
Although Paul and Fritz rank 12th and 13th in the singles respectively, the Aussie duo have prioritised doubles tennis for several years.
A streak of ten consecutive service holds in the first set came to a halt when Ebden and Peers converted their third break point opportunity of the set, ultimately proving the difference in the opening 47 minutes.
The following set lasted 60 seconds longer despite playing out four fewer games, with the Australian pair racing out to an emphatic 4-0 advantage as they stormed home in style.
“We just kept pressing, creating the pressure. Then executed enough and maybe they felt that pressure. That was key, to stay on top of them,” Ebden said.
“Obviously we want to win; that's why we're here. So you've got to enjoy the moment, then focus on recovery and prepare to go again tomorrow.”
Travelling on the road and spending time away from their young families at both 36 years of age is a challenge, but Ebden’s son and Peers’ two daughters cheering on make the occasion one to cherish.
“My girls especially wanted me to come home with a medal and now they’re guaranteed one which is really something special,” Peers admitted.
“They (his daughters) were going to be staying up and talking about it in school and now they get to be here and live it. I hope they can remember this the rest of their life.”
Ebden posted on Instagram after the match writing, “Gold medal match tomorrow!! Let’s gooooo Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺👊👊”
Another American duo stand in their way in the form of experienced fourth seeds Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram to be contested tonight at 8pm AEST.
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