Hijikata Advances To Wimbledon Doubles Final

LONDON, ENGLAND—Former University of North Carolina All-America Rinky Hijikata won his match with partner David Pel on Thursday, advancing to the doubles final at Wimbledon.

Hijikata and Pel came from behind to beat the event's top seed and the world's top-ranked team, Salvadoran Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic of Croatia, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), 7-6 (9), in Thursday's epic semifinal match that lasted nearly three hours, saving two match points in the third set tiebreaker along the way.

Arevalo and Pavic are the winners of a combined six grand slam titles and had held the world's No. 1 ranking for 28 consecutive weeks (since November 11, 2024).

Hijikata and Pel will play England's Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool for the Wimbledon title on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Eastern on ESPN.

Thursday's win continues a remarkable run for Hijikata and Pel from third alternates in the field to Wimbledon finalists. The duo are the only alternate team to reach the semifinals, much less the final, in the six years since doubles qualifying ended at Wimbledon.

Sit back and watch these scenes 🤩

Rinky Hijikata and David Pel defeat No.1 seeds Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic to reach the #Wimbledon Gentlemen's Doubles Final 👏

And that was after they saved two match points! 😮 pic.twitter.com/rxVywzFVtl
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2025

Rinky Hijikata/David Pel stun #1 Arevalo/Pavic 6-7(2), 7-6(5), 7-6(9) saving two match points in 3rd set TB to advance to @Wimbledon FINAL. Arevalo/Pavic, winners of 6 grand slam titles combined, have been ranked #1 for 28 straight weeks. #Wimbledon #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/YtgbCzsH5d
— Carolina Men's Tennis 🐏🎾 (@carolinatennis) July 10, 2025

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