Veteran Grand Slam champions Rajeev Ram and Matthew Ebden saved 2 match points at 4-6 in the second-set tiebreak to outlast China’s Juncheng Shang and Zhizhen Zhang 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-2 in the 2026 Australian Open 1st round.
Rajeev Ram · Men’s Doubles Round 1
2 Match Points Saved · Courtside Gallery| Round | Match | Score | Result | Match Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Rajeev Ram (USA) / Matthew Ebden (AUS) d. Juncheng Shang (CHN) / Zhizhen Zhang (CHN) | 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-2 | WON | Saved 2 match points at 4-6 in Set 2 tiebreak |
Four Consecutive Points in the Second-Set Tiebreak
Staring at elimination at 4-6 in the second-set breaker, Ram and Ebden reeled off 4 points in a row to snatch the set 8-6 before dominating the decider 6-2.
In a dramatic opening-round clash at the 2026 Australian Open, the powerhouse duo of Rajeev Ram (USA) and Matthew Ebden (AUS) staged a remarkable comeback to keep their title hopes alive. The American-Australian pair fended off two match points to defeat China’s Juncheng Shang and Zhizhen Zhang.
The Turning Point
The match appeared to be slipping away when Ram and Ebden trailed 4-6 in the second-set tiebreak. Facing two match points, the seasoned veterans relied on their collective experience and clinical net play to reel off four consecutive points.
After snatching the second set, the momentum shifted entirely. Ram and Ebden broke the Chinese pair early in the third set, ultimately cruising to a 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-2 victory.
Looking Ahead: Round 2
The road doesn’t get any easier for the duo. In the second round, Ram and Ebden are set to face the formidable Dutch pairing of Tallon Griekspoor/Botic van de Zandschulp.
Fans can expect a high-quality encounter as the veteran specialists take on the dangerous singles stars in a battle for a spot in the Round of 16.
