AO 2026: McCabe and Tu Upset Top Seeds in Melbourne Shocker
In a stunning display at the Australian Open 2026, Australian duo Li Tu and James McCabe achieved a remarkable upset. Competing at ANZ Arena, they defeated the top seeds Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in a tight match.
Match Highlights and Performance
- Match Score: 7-6(5), 6-4
- Match Duration: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Despite being relatively new as a pairing, Tu and McCabe showcased their talent, building on their earlier victory against Belgian players Zizou Bergs and Raphael Collignon. This win positions them for a potential third round clash against fellow Australians Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans, who are set to face Switzerland’s Jakub Paul and Brit Marcus Willis.
Top Seeds and Previous Achievements
Cash and Glasspool, the reigning Wimbledon men’s doubles champions, were expected to dominate the match. They had claimed the title in 2025 after defeating Rinky Hijikata and David Pel. This early exit highlights the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
Aussie Talent in Doubles
Although both players experienced early exits in their singles campaigns during the qualifying rounds, doubles success offers a chance to extend their play in Melbourne. McCabe concluded his singles run in the first round, while Tu was eliminated in the second round.
Player Stats and Background
Tu expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete, emphasizing his eagerness to enjoy the matches ahead. He stated, “It’s obviously another opportunity, which I don’t take for granted.”
Historical Context
Tu and McCabe aim to join an elite group of Australian pairs who have lifted the men’s doubles trophy in recent years. They would become the third all-Australian pair in five years, following the successes of Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios in 2022, and Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler in 2023.
The duo’s impressive performance continues the tradition of Australian excellence in doubles at their home Grand Slam. Fans eagerly await their next match, hoping for more thrilling moments at the AO 2026.
