Thanasi Kokkinakis joked he would be searching for a new partner after Nick Kyrgios said he would not play doubles at the French Open or Wimbledon this year.
The childhood mates completed one of the most surprising, and feelgood, stories in recent tennis history by claiming the Australian Open doubles title against compatriots Matt Ebden and Max Purcell last night.
The ‘Special Ks’ have teased Australia with their tantalising singles potential for years only to achieve Grand Slam glory as a joyful, exuberant team.
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The million dollar question now is whether Kyrgios and Kokkinakis will become a permanent fixture on the doubles circuit, in the mould of Australia’s beloved ‘Woodies’ or the USA’s Bryan Brothers.
“I’m not playing the French, and I’m not playing Wimby doubles,” Kyrgios said at last night’s press conference. Maybe just US (Open) and then (ATP) Finals.”
That was news to Kokkinakis, who also claimed a breakthrough ATP singles title in Adelaide this month.
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“There you go. I’ll just try and find someone else,” Kokkinakis quipped.
“That’s fine. Didn’t even enjoy it, anyway. Just wants to rock up for the ATP Finals end of the year, I reckon. That’s all right.”
A journalist also raised the comparison of the Bryan brothers, who won an incredible 16 Grand Slams together.
“That’s not going to be us,” Kokkinakis said.
“I mean, we aren’t the Bryan Brothers. What they did is incredible. I don’t think that’s us. Goes to show when we play together and we are locked in, anything is possible.
“We hope to play a bit more this year. We definitely don’t play traditional doubles.”
Kokkinakis reiterated that the pair were “not going to turn ATP Finals down” before Kyrgios made it clear he was very aware of their pulling power.
“All I’m saying is the ATP are pumped if we’re there, bro.”
The ATP Finals are in November.
“We didn’t expect to make ATP Finals especially after playing one tournament for the year together,” Kokkinakis said.
“It’s pretty f…ing crazy, really. Yeah, we’ll rock up for sure. See what happens. I think everyone is going to want to beat us, but that’s fine. I don’t think anything changes.”
Kyrgios also expanded on the sense of purpose and camaraderie he had gained while teaming up with Kokkinakis.
“We both love basketball. We love that team environment. We have said it before.
“Yeah, I mean, look, there aren’t many people that I would call close friends to me, and Thanasi is right up there,” Kyrgios said.
“I would do anything for the guy. A lot of time for him… I just love team, I think that’s what it’s about. It would be awesome to one day – I have won some titles, feels good, singles, but this one ranks top, for some reason.”
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