By Erik Gudris | Thursday, January 27, 2022
An all-Australian men’s doubles final is set for the first time since 1980 at the Australian Open. Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are now just a win away from completing a surprise run to the title.
The “Special K’s”, as they are nicknamed, continue to delight the local Melbourne crowds with their tennis all event. Kyrgios and Kokkinakis knocked out No. 3 seeds Horacio Zeballos and Marcel Granollers 7-6(4), 6-4 in the semifinals to reach their first career major final.
The 26-year-old Kyrgios feels his doubles performance during the fortnight is the most invested he’s ever been playing tennis.
“I’m being more professional that I have ever been for this doubles than I think I have ever done in my life,” Kyrgios said about playing doubles in Melbourne.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis have been on fire playing doubles despite falling early in the singles draw. The Aussie team started their quest for the title after knocking out top seeds Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic in the second round. They continued upsetting seeded teams along the way including sixth seeds Tim Puetz and Michael Venus.
Waiting for the pair is another all-Australian team. Matt Ebden and Max Purcell reached the finals after upsetting No. 2 seeds and last year’s finalists Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 6-3, 7-6(9).
Ebden and Purcell play doubles more often throughout the year. Kokkinakis admitted that fact will make their opponents tough to beat.
"I think if we play how we've been playing, play with that energy, hopefully feed off the crowd again, play relaxed and free, we can do well."
Photo credit: Getty