“We Did Not Expect to Come Close to This”: Thanasi Kokkinakis on Winning Australian Open 2022 With Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis create history at the Australian Open 2022. The two become the first Australian pair since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde in 1992, to win the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open. They two beat the pair of fellow Australians Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell. 

The duo’s excitement of winning their first Grand Slam title was clearly visible during the trophy ceremony. After lifting the trophy, the two went on to take the mic, vocalizing their feeling. Though Kyrgios thanked everyone and credited them for their performance, it was Thanasi’s words that caught the light.

The 25-year-old Thanasi thanked his team, speaking about the rough patch in his career. He further went on thanking Kyrgios. 

Thanasi pours out his heart at the trophy ceremony

After lifting the trophy, the two players came to the mic. Thanasi went first, he started by thanking everyone. After thanking everyone, he came to Nick Kyrgios and if they expected to reach this stage.

He said, “Wow, what a week! Nick, I love you, brother! I can honestly say we did not expect to come close to this.

He further went on to talk about his team. Thanasi spoke about the rough patch of his career and thanked his team for the same.  

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He expressed saying, “It’s been a rough couple of years for me personally, but what a month we’ve had. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

After Thanasi, Kyrgios took over the mic, thanking his family, friends, fans, and the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena. 

Nick Kyrgios/Thanasi Kokkinakis and the historic title 

The wildcard pair of Kyrgios/Kokkinakis entered the Australian Open men’s doubles final with some out-of-the-box performances in the previous rounds. The pair beat the 1st seed, 3rd seed, 6th seed and, 15th seed in their journey to the finals. 

The first set started with both the teams going neck to neck in every game, leaving no room for error. Holding the serves, the set reached 5-5. Both the teams playing their best tennis, it was Kyrgios/Kokkinakis who striked in the set. The pair broke the opposition’s serve, taking a 6-5 lead, and further going on to win the set.

Having a confidence boost after winning the first set, the duo entered the second set on a high note. With a high serve percentage and good volley-baseline coordination, Kyrgios/Kokkinakis broke Ebden/Purcell mid-set. With the break in place, the duo took a 4-3 lead. Maintaining the lead, Kokkinakis ended the set with a down-the-line volley and went on to win the match.

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis took 1 hour 35 minutes to win the Championship match 7-5,6-4.

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