Reigning Australian Open champions Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis not only continued their winning ways in the first round at Indian Wells, but their brilliant banter reinvigorating doubles tennis.
The Australian wildcard duo beat Brazil’s Marcelo Melo and Croatia’s Ivan Dodig 7-5, 1-6, 10-2 in their opening match at the Californian event.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are now set to meet US wildcard pair John Isner and Jack Sock in round two.
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Kyrgios and Kokkinakis again took great delight in entertaining the crowd in their first-round Indian Wells match, pulling out all kinds of colourful antics in a bid to liven up the fans and get them on their side.
They continued to roll out the theatrics in their on-court interview.
“We’re definitely going to lose at some point,” a serious Kokkinakis said.
“No we’re not,” Kyrgios quipped with a beaming smile and a laugh.
“OK, sorry,” Kokkinakis laughed.
While many have embraced what Kyrgios and Kokkinakis have brought to doubles tennis, others have been angered by the talented duo and close mates.
After meeting Croatian pair Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in a fiery second-round match at the Australian Open, Kyrgios alleged their rivals’ coach and trainer wanted to fight in the players’ gym.
Pavic then labelled Kyrgios a “clown” and an “idiot” on Sport Klub’s Wish & Go podcast.
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