Wimbledon 2022 final: Ebden, Purcell win maiden Grand Slam title in mens doubles

Australians Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell scripted history on Saturday when they beat defending champions Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in the men’s double final at the Wimbledon 2022.

The pair beat Croatian duo Mektic and Pavic in an action-packed 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(10-2) victory to clinch their maiden Grand Slam.

Ebden and Purcell could have become the third pair from their country since 1982 to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon in the same year, the first time in the Open Era. However, they were defeated by Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios in the final of the Australian Open, which limited the achievement.

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Mektic congratulated the Australian pair after being bested in the Wimbledon final. “It is tough, really, 7-6 in the fifth,” he said after the match. 

“I have to congratulate the guys for this title. They had an amazing tournament, they came back so many times. They defended some match points and here once again they came back from 2-1 with their good level,” he added. 

The Australian duo had an impressive campaign in the Wimbledon 2022 as they registered five five-set matches and two fifth-set tie breakers. They also saved three match points in the opening round and five in the semifinals.

Pavic also wished the winners, but also revealed it was ‘tough’ for him to play with a fractured wrist, an injury that he picked up in the semifinal.

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“It was tough to handle those two matches,” the 29-year-old said. 

“It was tough to play. Obviously we were close. It’s a bit frustrating [when] you’re not 100%,” he revealed.

“We gave our best and we gave it a fight, so I think we can be very proud of ourselves for those two matches,” the Croat added.

The victory marked the second tour-level title this season for Ebden and Purcell, who also emerged victorious in Houston in April, where they defeated Ivan and Matej Sabanov in the final.