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Rod Laver Arena might have only been half full for the Australian Open mixed doubles final on Friday, but that did not stop billionaire Bill Gates from dropping in to watch Australian wildcards John Peers and Olivia Gadecki win their second straight title.
The philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder has often been spotted supporting Peers, having met the Australian through his now partner Paula Hurd.
Olivia Gadecki and John Peers celebrate winning another Australian Open mixed doubles title.Credit: Eddie Jim
“He was out there today,” Peers said after their come-from-behind victory 4-6, 6-3 (10-8 super tie-breaker) against French pair Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard.
“We saw him literally just before we walked on court. They’ve always been great supporters, so it was good to see him again, and I’ll catch up with him later.”
Peers, 37, went to Baylor University with Hurd’s late husband in 2011 and has been a long-time friend of her family, staying with them when he plays events in Indian Wells.
Gates was first seen cheering for the Australian journeyman at the 2024 Paris Olympics when Peers teamed up with Matthew Ebden to win gold.
“He didn’t feel as awkward this time because it wasn’t against Americans. It was good,” Peers said on Friday.
Peers also had wife Danielle and two daughters Ellie Rose and Harper Grace cheering him to victory.
“Any chance I get to play in front of them now is really special,” he said.
“Hopefully, they can enjoy it as well. To be able to have them up in the crowd is fantastic. Just gives me that little bit extra drive to be able to have friends and family and have them so close as often as I can because, unfortunately, we don’t get to have them every week on the road.”
Soon after the Aussies won the title, French opponent Kristina Mladenovic put Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley on the spot by publicly asking if it was his last tournament in charge.
Paula Hurd and Bill Gates have been watching matches at the 2026 Australian Open.Credit: Fiona Hamilton / Tennis Australia
“Craig, is it true that it is your last tournament in charge?” she asked during the presentation ceremony.
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Tiley, who has been strongly linked to taking on a new role running the US Open, shook his head from side to side and mouthed the word, ‘No’.
“I don’t know what your plans are in the future, but I want you to know that you have made this tournament great,” Mladenovic said, changing tack.
“I hope you stay, or the tournament is improving as always.”
When later asked if there was any truth to the rumour of Tiley’s impending defection, Peers played a straight bat.
“You’d have to ask him,” he said. “I haven’t spoken to him about it. See what unfolds, I guess.”
Tiley has declined to comment on speculation about his future.
Peers indicated there was a strong chance that he and 23-year-old Gadecki would be back at Melbourne Park next year, shooting for three in a row.
“I’d love to say yes now. So hopefully, we don’t need a wildcard,” he said.
Gadecki said she would use the victory as a catalyst to improve her singles ranking from world No.172.
“I’m hoping this gives me a bit of a boost for 2026,” she said. “I’m just enjoying being out there, you know, being on court, being healthy, happy.
“It’s pretty incredible to be back-to-back grand slam winners. Even saying that out loud is crazy, and I’m still trying to kind of comprehend it, but it’s so nice to get it at home in front of friends and family.
“To share this moment with Peersy is pretty incredible.”
With their win on Friday, Gadecki and Peers became the first pairing to win back-to-back Australian Open mixed doubles titles in 37 years.
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