In a stunning display of doubles prowess, James McCabe and Li Tu, a pair competing together for the first time, delivered a major upset at the Australian Open by defeating the top-seeded duo of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool. The wildcard entry stunned the tennis world with a confident 7-6(5) 6-4 victory, showcasing a blend of skill, chemistry, and strategic gameplay.
A Surprise Victory
The match, which took place on Friday, was anything but expected. McCabe and Tu, despite being first-time partners, displayed a level of coordination that belied their relative inexperience as a team. They managed to overcome the reigning 2025 Wimbledon champions, Cash and Glasspool, in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Turning the Tide
McCabe reflected on the match, stating, "We thought we were going to get steamrolled in the second set after going a break down in the first. So, we were happy to get that break back, and then we just went on from there." Tu added, "We’re just happy to be here, and we’re just going to have fun with it, and see what damage we can do." Their ability to turn the tide and maintain composure under pressure was a testament to their growing partnership.
Learning on the Job
The duo, who are relatively new to the world of doubles, credit their success to the guidance of mentors Pat Cash, Wally Masur, and Luke Saville. McCabe noted, "Literally the best doubles players in the world, so you’d hope you’d learn a few things." Their rapid improvement is evident, with McCabe admitting, "We didn’t know how to do anything at the net three days ago, so we’ve definitely improved a lot. I didn’t know how to play doubles, so I was standing in the wrong places and everything."
The Fun Factor
What sets McCabe and Tu apart is not just their improving skills but also their dynamic on the court. Tu explained that their communication is a mix of tactics and banter, with 80 percent of their chat being the latter. "Sometimes he’ll come over to me and say something so random, and I’ll be like, ‘Dude what? What are you saying?’ It takes the pressure off," McCabe explained. This light-hearted approach seems to be a key ingredient to their success.
The Difference Between Singles and Doubles
McCabe highlighted the differences between singles and doubles, stating, "Singles is a lot more physical on the body and everything, and you’re out there by yourself. Doubles, you’re with someone and you can go out there have some fun and just do stuff you wouldn’t normally do in singles, and somehow it works." This perspective underscores the unique challenges and joys of doubles tennis.
Strategic Gameplay
The duo’s success is also attributed to their strategic gameplay. McCabe revealed a tactic used during the first set tiebreak: "Tell your partner you’re serving one way and go the other way. If we don’t know where we’re serving, they don’t know." Tu confirmed, "Honestly that’s actually part of the strategy." This element of surprise has been a key factor in their recent victories.
Australian Doubles Success
Australians have enjoyed a recent surge in men’s doubles success at the Australian Open. With Matt Ebden and Rohan Bopanna winning in 2024, Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler in 2023, and Thanassi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios in 2022, the tradition continues with McCabe and Tu’s impressive performance. However, the duo remains grounded, stating that they will approach the next round with the same mentality.
Keeping a Level Head
McCabe emphasized, "We’re definitely the hunters every single time still." The pair has not put any limits on how far they can go in the tournament, fueled by the home crowd’s enthusiasm. "Playing on home is a big thing. Hopefully they can get behind us more in the upcoming matches. You never know how far we can go," McCabe said. Tu agreed, acknowledging the crowd's impact on their performance.
The Power of the Home Crowd
The Australian Open has been a stage for several wildcard duos to shine, and the home crowd has played a significant role in this. McCabe and Tu are not the only ones benefiting from the support; Marc Polmans and Kubler, as well as John-Patrick Smith and Adam Pavlasek, have also advanced with victories. The electric atmosphere at Melbourne Park is undoubtedly a factor in the recent successes of Australian players.
Looking Ahead
As McCabe and Tu prepare for their next match, the tennis world watches with anticipation. Their unexpected rise in the tournament has added an exciting subplot to the Australian Open. With their unique partnership, strategic gameplay, and the support of the home crowd, the duo is poised to make more waves in the coming rounds.
Conclusion
James McCabe and Li Tu’s stunning victory over the top-seeded duo at the Australian Open is a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of tennis. Their journey from newcomers to contenders highlights the importance of teamwork, strategy, and a little bit of fun. As they continue to make their mark on the doubles court, one thing is clear: this dynamic duo is here to stay.
