Matt Ebden has claimed his first Grand Slam title with victory earlier this afternoon in the Australian Open Mixed Doubles with partner Jarmila Gajdosova.
The Australian wild card pairing overcame the Czech duo Frantisek Cermak and Lucie Hradecka 6-3 7-5 in one hour and 13 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
The win was not only both Ebden and Gajdosova’s first Grand Slam victory, but was also the first time the two have played together at any level.
“It feels amazing,” Ebden said post match.
“I guess it’s extremely exciting to be given the chance to play a Grand Slam final, first of all, and then to win it. You never know how many chances you’ll get to play a Grand Slam final. So to come out with a win in our first final and get a title straightaway and to become Grand Slam champions is an amazing feeling and something we’ll always have.
“Hopefully we can both use this is as a springboard and give us some confidence looking forward to Davis Cup and Fed Cup, and for the rest of the year for singles, too.
Ebden now flies direct to Kaohsiung City, Chinese Taipei, for the Davis Cup World Group Qualifying Match, commencing this Friday 1 February.