FILIPINO-AUSTRALIAN Jason Kubler and Rinky Hijikata clinched the men’s doubles title in the Australian Open last Saturday, a feat that Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said should make Filipinos proud.
“It’s something that we Filipinos–and the POC–should be proud of and cherish,” Tolentino said of the 29-year-old Kubler, the son of a Philippine-born mother and an Australian father.
“We know that a part of him is Filipino and Jason showed that to the world,” Tolentino said.
“We’re really proud of him for winning a grand slam title not only for Australians but also for his fellow Filipinos.”
The pair, playing for Australia, defeated Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the final at the Rod Laver Arena.
It was the first Grand Slam title for Hijikata and Kubler–the third Australian team to win a men’s doubles title in the last five Grand Slams. They teamed up for the first time.
