Kyrgios, Kokkinakis to defend Australian Open doubles crown

FILE PHOTO–Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis has confirmed he will partner teammate Nick Kyrgios to defend his men’s doubles crown at the Australian Open this month.

The duo, nicknamed “The Special Ks”, became the first wildcard team to win the championship at Melbourne Park in the professional era.

There were doubts that Kyrgios would play singles and doubles at his first Grand Slam this year after he withdrew from the inaugural edition of the United Cup due to injury, but Kokkinakis said he would try.

“We will play (at the Australian Open). Doubles is a lot less taxing on the body and mentally it’s a bit easier as well,” Kokkinakis said.

“Obviously, singles is our priority, but I think it would be rude not to go out and have fun.”

Before the Australian Open, which starts on January 16, Kokkinakis will play singles in the first of two Adelaide International tournaments.

The Australian said he was surprised by the strength of the field for the ATP 250 event, which also included former world number one Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev.

“It’s unbelievable, I’ve never seen (ATP) 250 this strong,” he said ahead of the tournament in his hometown.

“Holger (Rune) is number 11 in the world and he’s a (number) five seed? I mean, for 250 that’s crazy. This is strong for a 500 event let alone a 250. He can be a Masters.

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