Local heroes Olivia Gadecki and John Peers clinch Australian Open mixed doubles title

Olivia Gadecki and John Peers hold the Australian Open mixed-doubles trophy aloft after defeating Australian compatriots Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith. Photograph: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP

In a contest that had historians poring through the archives, Olivia Gadecki and John Peers secured the Australian Open mixed doubles title on Rod Laver Arena on Friday thanks to a late fightback and gritty match tie-break performance.

The pair overcame fellow Australians Kim Birrell and John-Patrick Smith 3-6, 6-4, 10-6 in 84 minutes to secure the title and $175,000 in prize money, after they entered their home grand slam as wildcards.