Mixed double matches: Watch the Australian Open live this weekend
The Australian Open is finally here! A Grand Slam tennis tournament that is so hot we finally give George Costanza a pass for disgustingly eating his hot fudge sundae during the tennis episode of Seinfeld. Taking place from February 8-21, 2021, the 109th edition of this celebrated tournament, as well as the 53rd in the “Open Era”, is sure to be a can’t miss spectacle. Will you check it out live?
Originally scheduled for January 18-31, 2021, but ultimately rescheduled due to COVID-19 concerns, the Australian Open offers tennis fans a potpourri of exciting matches to watch live. This included singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and even some wheelchair matches which is both exciting & inspirational to watch.
However, we’re most excited to watch some of the Australian Open’s mixed double matches live! Why? Because watching a male & female compete together really helps put into perspective just how balanced the sport is, and how elite an athlete you have to be to play tennis. Care to check out some of the mixed double matches live from the Australian Open this weekend? Let’s see who’s on deck.
What is a mixed double match?
In tennis, a mixed double match is played the exact same way as doubles, only each team features one man and one woman per team.
This is a special type of match for multiple reasons, perhaps the most prominent being that they don’t take place very often. Professional men’s & women’s tennis tours are organized apart from one another, usually forcing fans of the sport to wait for one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, like the Australian Open, to watch a mixed double match. This popular event was even brought back for the Summer Olympics in 2012.
The Grand Slam tournaments consist of the Australian Open, the French Open, the U.S. Open, and Wimbledon. A mixed double team must win all four in a single calendar year to complete the “Grand Slam”.
Only one Grand Slam has ever been completed by a mixed double team, and that was in 1963, by Margaret Court & Ken Fletcher.
While none of these teams went on to complete the Grand Slam, many of them did go on to win multiple titles in mixed double matches, earning a bid into the hat of “best mixed double team ever”. They include powerhouse teams such as John McEnroe & Mary Carillo, Billie Jean King & Owen Davidson, and Bob Hewitt & Wendy Turnbull.
Mixed doubles matches this weekend
Scheduled to take place on February 13, 2021, is the mixed double match between Ellen Perez (AUS) & Andrew Harris (AUS) vs. Asia Muhammad (U.S.) & Luke Saville (AUS).
Later on that day, we’ll see the much-anticipated match between Ivana Popovic (AUS) & Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) vs. Gabriela Dabrowski (CA) & Mate Pavic (HR). It is important to note that the team of Dabrowski & Pavis are heavy favorites to not only win this match but the entire mixed doubles division at the Australian Open.
Another live mixed double event this weekend that’s must-see T.V. is the match between Bethanie Mattek-Sands (U.S.) & Jamie Murray (UK) vs. Duan Yingying (CHN) & Rohan Bopanna (IN). It’s rare for a mixed double match to feature two teams where each competitor represents a different country, so if anything check out this match in support of solidarity!
These matches will determine what live matches will be lined up for Sunday, February 14th. Seeing as that day is Valentine’s Day, consider snuggling up with your love and watch just how kick a$$ two different sexes can be when they team up!
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What are your thoughts on the 2021 Australian Open live? Do you have a favorite event or style of match that you prefer watching? Who’s your favorite all-time tennis player? Comment below and let us know your thoughts.
