AO 2026 Shock: McCabe & Tu Upset No.1 Seeds Cash/Glasspool! 🇦🇺🎾 (2026)

In a jaw-dropping upset that has the tennis world buzzing, Australia’s Li Tu and James McCabe have shattered expectations at the AO 2026, knocking out the No.1 seeds Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in a thrilling straight-sets victory. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this dynamic duo, competing together for the first time at their home Grand Slam, could now face fellow Aussies Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans in the next round, setting the stage for an all-Australian showdown. And this is the part most people miss—Tu and McCabe, who both fell in the qualifying rounds of singles, are now riding a wave of momentum in doubles, proving that sometimes the best stories unfold where you least expect them.

Under the watchful eyes of Australian tennis legend Pat Cash and a roaring crowd at ANZ Arena, Tu and McCabe delivered a masterclass in resilience, clinching a 7-6(5) 6-4 win in just over an hour and a half. What makes this victory even sweeter? Cash and Glasspool aren’t just any opponents—they’re the reigning Wimbledon men’s doubles champions, having defeated Australia’s Rinky Hijikata and David Pel in the 2025 final. Is this the start of a new Australian doubles dynasty, or just a fleeting moment of brilliance?

For Tu, this run is particularly meaningful. The 29-year-old, who took time off the tour last year following the birth of his daughter Elody, is now back with a renewed focus and a powerhouse team behind him, including coach Pat Cash. ‘I’m very grateful for the opportunity,’ Tu shared earlier this week. ‘It’s another chance I don’t take for granted.’ McCabe, too, is no stranger to hard work, having climbed to a career-high ranking of No.164 in mid-2025, just ahead of Tu’s peak at No.160.

But here’s the controversial question: Can Tu and McCabe sustain this momentum and join the ranks of recent Australian doubles champions like Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios (2022) or Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler (2023)? While Kokkinakis and Kyrgios, both sidelined for much of 2025 due to injuries, fell in a three-set battle against Kubler and Polmans in their AO 2026 opener, Tu and McCabe seem determined to write their own story. ‘My game has improved for sure,’ Tu confidently stated. ‘It’s about putting it all together in a match, and I know I can do it.’

As the tournament heats up, all eyes are on this wildcard pair to see if they can turn their singles setbacks into a doubles triumph. Will they become the next Australian heroes to lift the men’s doubles trophy? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—this is a partnership worth watching. What do you think? Can Tu and McCabe go all the way, or will the pressure of their home crowd prove too much? Let us know in the comments!