Australian Open revives Thanasi Kokkinakis-Nick Kyrgios pairing for doubles event

Tennis fans are set to be thrilled by the electric pair of Australian mates, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis. The doubles duo, who claimed the 2022 Australian Open title and captivated audiences throughout their run, will reunite in Melbourne as Kyrgios overcomes his injuries to step back onto the court. The 2022 doubles victory remains the sole Grand Slam triumph for both Kyrgios and Kokkinakis. Now, as the bold player gears up to begin a new chapter in his tennis career, Kokkinakis has expressed his excitement about reviving their partnership in Melbourne.

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios to pair up for the Australian Open doubles event

Nick Kyrgios has seemingly made a full recovery from his persistent injuries. Issues with his wrist and knee, culminating in surgery, kept Kyrgios away from the court for almost two years. However, the Australian, who last played an ATP event in 2023, the only match he competed in that year, is now set to rejoin the ATP Tour with full intensity. With the Australian Open scheduled to commence on January 15, Kyrgios has earned a direct entry into the singles draw with a protected ranking of 21.

As it turns out, Kyrgios will extend his campaign to the doubles event as well. The Australian will reunite with Thanasi Kokkinakis for the upcoming edition of the Grand Slam. This is the same duo that defeated Max Purcell and Matthew Ebden in the final to clinch the 2022 Australian Open title. Meanwhile, Kyrgios will begin his season early at the World Tennis League ahead of Christmas. Subsequently, the 29-year-old will compete in the Brisbane International, where Novak Djokovic is also set to feature, before heading to Melbourne for the Grand Slam.

Thanasi Kokkinakis opened up about teaming up with Kyrgios again in Melbourne. While the 28-year-old is eager to reunite, he reiterated that singles fixtures remain the top priority. Kokkinakis, who represented Australia at the Davis Cup Final in Malaga this year, explained that the drive to take the court for a doubles match would be challenging after enduring a draining singles contest. However, he remains committed to entertaining Australian fans by playing alongside Kyrgios.

"Everyone loved it last time, we loved it, it was so much fun," he said. "It's definitely not going to be the priority for us [but] we feel like we owe it to people to get back out there and have some fun. It's not something we've practised, but singles is definitely the goal. If you have a big five-setter, with all due respect, the last thing you want to do is go out and play doubles the next day, but we'll play it by ear and see how it goes," he added.

Furthermore, Kokkinakis talked about Kyrgios's return, highlighting it as a positive development for the sport and fans worldwide. Describing Nick as a player with a "different kind of energy" but "one hell of a player," Kokkinakis expressed hope that his teammate would thrive without facing further injury setbacks.

"It's going to be great for tennis, great for fans in Australia, fans all over the world. He's a different cat. Obviously, he has a different sort of energy about him, and he's a hell of a player, so I think people are going to love having him back," Kokkinakis said. "It's been a long time coming. I think he's been ready for a while now to play, but he wanted to make sure he's really ready before he steps back, so hopefully he can stay healthy," he added.