“Having Someone to Lean On”: Kokkinakis on Teaming up With Nick Kyrgios

The 2022 Australian Open Men’s doubles final, which will feature four Australian players, is about to start. Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios are already pumped up for the same. The pair is in great form and has obviously shown great energy on the court.

The “Special K” shared his views on their pairing. When talking about Kyrgios, Thanasi said, “I think, you know, he’s grown up in a team environment, obviously loves his basketball. Having someone to lean on, I mean, he does a good enough job by himself, that’s for sure.”

After complementing Kyrgios, Kokkinakis spoke about his role in the pair. He said, “I think sometimes if things aren’t going right, he loses his temper, I’m there to calm him down. I think it helps both of us for sure.”

It showed that Thanasi keeps Nick on the ground and does not let him go and play an “uncontrolled” game.

He mentioned the importance of having a partner to whom Nick can talk to and relay his on-court feelings to steady the flow of the game. But then again Kokkinakis emphasized unparalleled crowd support and energy, which is Nick’s identity in their game. He doesn’t want to hamper that.

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It is clear that both players are not just doubles partners in the tournament, but on-court brothers as well. This first-time senior pairing has proved effective so far in the tournament and will look to remain unbeaten.

Nick Kyrgios and Kokkinakis’ efficient pairing

The unseeded pair has overcome some of the big guns and favorites of the tournament. They started with a straight sets win over the Aussie pair of Alex Bolt and James Mccabe.

Later, they secured a straight-set win over top-seeded Croatian pair Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic. After this match, the crowd and analysts realized the true essence of the pair.

They made it to the semis after three-set wins over other seeded pairs in the third and fourth rounds of the tournament.

Having Nick’s energy, Thanasi’s composure, and roaring crowd support, they made it into the finals.

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Nick Kyrgios had his stunts, and moments of madness throughout the five matches played. However, Kokkinakis has steadied the flow of the game and ensured progression.

It will be interesting to watch how Nick’s theatrics and Thanasi’s calm nature fare in the finals on Saturday night.