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Australian Open

"We've got a good shot at winning": Thansai Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios shaking up Aussie Open doubles 

Said Kyrgios ahead of the pair's quarterfinal match Tuesday, "It's probably the best doubles we've played together."

By Kamakshi Tandon
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 23: Thanasi Kokkinakis (L) of Australia and Nick Kyrgios of Australia laugh in their third round doubles match against Ariel Behar of Uruguay and Gonzalo Escobar of Ecuador during day seven of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

No longer in singles competition, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have taken doubles seriously at the Australian Open, and they're making a serious run.

The two Australians are through to the quarterfinals, having knocked off top seeds Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic—not to mention Pavic's angry trainer in the locker room—along the way.

It's even got the famously casual Kyrgios concentrating more on his preparation and training.

"This is actually our best run in a Grand Slam ever. So I think we've come with age and matured a little bit, I know I have definitely. I'm going to do everything I can tonight, get a good rest, recover, train. Listen to me," he said, jokingly.

"I like it," said Kokkinakis.

"I definitely think we've got a good shot at winning this," added Kyrgios.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 23: Thanasi Kokkinakis (R) of Australia and Nick Kyrgios of Australia celebrates match point in their third round doubles match against Ariel Behar of Uruguay and Gonzalo Escobar of Ecuador during day seven of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
© 2022 Getty Images

The pair next play Tim Puetz and Michael Venus, the No. 6 seeds, Tuesday. Their doubles contests have drawn big ratings in Australia, with more than half a million tuning in from Melbourne and Sydney, according to the Melbourne Age. That's comparable to some top singles sessions.

The stands have also been full and frequently vocal in Kia Arena, where Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are set to play for a third consecutive round. But they haven't had a problem keeping their attention on court.

"I definitely feel a different type of feel, honestly, I feel like favorites," said Kyrgios. "I feel like we're locked in. It's probably the best doubles we've played together."

Having a big crowd has helped following the reduced capacity in 2021, notes Kokkinakis.

"I think focus has been the biggest difference this year as opposed to other years," he said. "This year having that crowd support, it feels like a party atmosphere."

Both have been on and off the tour with injuries, affecting their singles play—Kokkinakis is No. 103 and Kyrgios is No. 115 in the rankings.