Balaji and Oberleitner Pull Off Grand Slam Heist to Reach Australian Open Round Two

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Indian doubles specialist N. Sriram Balaji and Austrian partner Neil Oberleitner produced one of the most gripping matches of the opening rounds at the Australian Open 2026, edging past the experienced pairing of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Jordan Thompson in a nerve-shredding three-set thriller to book their place in the second round at Melbourne Park.

The Indo-Austrian duo prevailed 7-6(4), 3-6, 7-6(8) in a contest that lasted well over two hours and swung wildly in momentum before being settled by fine margins in a dramatic final-set match tie-break. For Balaji, the victory marked a fourth consecutive appearance in the second round of the Australian Open, underlining his growing consistency on the Grand Slam stage. For Oberleitner, it was a maiden breakthrough into Round Two at a major, a milestone that added further emotional weight to the win.

A clash of contrasting journeys

On paper, Balaji and Oberleitner were facing a formidable task. Herbert and Thompson brought elite pedigree into the match Herbert is a former World No.2 in doubles and multiple-time Grand Slam champion, while Thompson has also held a top-three doubles ranking and enjoys strong support on home soil in Melbourne.

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Balaji and Oberleitner, by contrast, are still carving out their place at the highest level. Balaji has built his career as one of India’s most reliable doubles professionals, grinding his way through the Challenger and ATP circuits, while Oberleitner has only recently begun to step into the Grand Slam spotlight. That difference in experience made the balance and composure they showed across three tight sets even more impressive.

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The match opened with both pairs holding serve confidently, setting the tone for a tight contest. Balaji’s flat, skidding returns consistently pressured Herbert’s serve, while Oberleitner impressed with his reach and reflexes at the net. The first set went on serve all the way, neither team able to create a decisive break.

In the tie-break, the Indo-Austrian pair found another gear. Balaji produced a couple of laser-sharp returns, and Oberleitner backed it up with clean volleys to edge ahead. At 7-4, they closed out the breaker to take the opening set, drawing loud applause from the Melbourne crowd that had initially leaned toward the local favourite Thompson.

Thompson and Herbert strike back

The second set saw the experience of Herbert and Thompson come to the fore. They tightened up their service games and began attacking the Balaji-Oberleitner second serve more aggressively. A crucial break midway through the set allowed the Franco-Australian duo to open up a lead, and this time they did not let it slip.

Thompson’s booming serve and Herbert’s deft touches at the net proved too strong, as they levelled the match by taking the second set 6-3. Momentum now appeared to be swinging in favour of the more established pairing.

What followed was a third set that epitomised Grand Slam doubles drama. Both teams traded blows from the baseline and the forecourt, refusing to yield. Balaji continued to serve with remarkable consistency, backed by Oberleitner’s athleticism and sharp positioning.

Neither side could find a break, and once again the set moved into a match tie-break. This time, the tension was even more palpable. Herbert and Thompson surged ahead early, using their experience to build a small cushion, but Balaji and Oberleitner refused to panic.

From 8-6 down, the Indo-Austrian pair played their boldest tennis of the match. Balaji fired in a clutch first serve, Oberleitner followed it up with a fearless poach, and suddenly the scores were level. Two more precise points later, they held match points. On the second opportunity, a strong serve from Balaji forced a loose return, which Oberleitner calmly put away, sealing a memorable 10-8 tie-break victory.

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For Sriram Balaji, this result continues a quietly impressive Grand Slam run. Reaching the second round in Melbourne for the fourth year in a row speaks to his reliability at this level and his ability to rise on the sport’s biggest stage. For Neil Oberleitner, however, this was something entirely new — his first ever Round Two appearance at a major, achieved by knocking out a pair with world-class credentials.

The chemistry between the two was evident throughout the match. Balaji’s experience and court awareness complemented Oberleitner’s athleticism and hunger, creating a partnership that looked composed even when the pressure was at its highest.

A massive challenge awaits

The reward for their heroics is a blockbuster second-round clash against the fourth-seeded pairing of Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic, one of the most formidable doubles teams on tour. Arevalo and Pavic bring a blend of raw power, precision and experience that will test Balaji and Oberleitner to the limit.

Yet after the way they handled the intensity of facing Herbert and Thompson, the Indo-Austrian duo will take the court with belief. Melbourne Park has already witnessed them deliver one upset, and they will now look to ride that momentum as far as they can. For Indian tennis fans, Balaji’s latest Melbourne run is another reminder that the country continues to have a strong presence in the doubles arena. For Oberleitner, this breakthrough could mark the beginning of a new chapter at the highest level of the sport.

At the Australian Open 2026, Balaji and Oberleitner have already written one of the tournament’s most gripping opening-round stories and their journey is far from over.

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