Raymond/Nikolaus Didn't Expect To Win At The 2025 Australian Open

JAKARTA The men's doubles Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin did not expect to come out as champions at the Australian Open 2025 last weekend, which was their debutant tournament at the BWF Super 500 BWF level.

Raymond/Nikolaus managed to stand on the highest podium at the Quaycentre after defeating their seniors in the final round, Fajar Alfian/ Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, in a fierce match of three games 22'20, 10'21, and 21'18.

"Honestly, I didn't really think I could win. Moreover, Praise God yesterday was able to beat the top players. It was more like I didn't think it was yesterday," said Nikolaus at the PBSI Cipayung National Training Center.

Fajar/Fikri are one of three leading pairs in the tournament that managed to become victims of Raymond/Nikolaus on their spectacular journey to win the title.

The two other seeded pairs who became their victims were Man Wei Chong/Kai Wun Tee (quarter-final round) and Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin (semifinal round), both of whom came from Malaysia.

Nikolaus said that being able to win the title in a debut appearance at the BWF Super 500 level was actually far from what the men's doubles coach had hoped for.

"For the expectations of the coach, the important thing is the second half because we have just debuted at the Super 500 level. So, the important thing is that we can reach the second half, but it turns out that the continuation until God's Praise can win," he said.

Raymond/Nikolaus will then prepare to face the 2025 SEA Games which will take place on December 9-20.

The victory brought home from Australia made them more confident in facing the biennial multi-pronged sporting event.