London: Australia's Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell prevented the Croatian duo of Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic from winning back-to-back men's doubles titles at Wimbledon with a 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(10-2) victory in the final on Saturday.
It was a long and arduous journey to the final for the Australians, with five of their six matches going to five sets while they saved a total of eight match points along the way.
It was also a first Grand Slam crown for the duo, who became the first all-Australian team in 22 years to win the men's doubles at the All England Club since the famous Woodies -- Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde -- won their last title.
"Mark Woodforde was actually out on the warm-up court with us this morning," said Ebden, who lost the mixed doubles final on Thursday.
"Todd Woodbridge has been chatting with us as well, so we definitely channeled the Woodies. They are great mentors."
Pavic, a left-hander playing with a fractured bone on his right wrist, had it taped up and was trying his best to play with one hand, subconsciously tucking his right arm in during rallies and not opting for two-handed returns.
"It was tough to play, it was close. Obviously we were close, so it's a bit frustrating. You're not a 100%," he said.
"They deserved to win. We gave our best, we gave them a fight. I think we can be very proud of ourselves."
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