Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios celebrate the victory of their first Grand Slam doubles title after enjoying a spectacular run at the Australian Open 2022.
Melbourne, Australia, 30 January 2022 | Leigh Rogers
Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios still cherish in the glory of their Australian Open 2022 men’s doubles title victory.
Aussie Wildcards win their first Grand Slam doubles title A 7-5 6-4 win over fellow Australians Matt Ebden and Max Purcell in last night’s final.
“I have won some great titles around the world, played some great matches. This one is number one for me, ”says Kyrgios.
“It was just special. All week, win every round. I did not take it for granted. I pulled it in. It never occurred to me that we were going to win the title. “
The 26-year-old Kyrgios has played a limited schedule for the past two years and picked up COVID ahead of the tournament, making the triumph even more unexpected.
“It’s a memory we will never forget,” said Kyrgios, whose previous best Grand Slam doubles result was third round at the US Open in 2016 and Roland Garros in 2017.
“We are going to grow old and we will always remember that time when we rolled off the couch and just won Aus Open. Honest.”
Kokkinakis and Kyrgios eliminated four selected teams, including four of the world’s top 10 players, during their incredible run.
From wildcards to CHAMPIONS 🏆#GoAussies • # AO2022 • #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/lNnEaJPQJf
– TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) 29 January 2022
The Special Ks, as they are affectionately known, are also good friends. Make the victory even sweeter.
“Being a Grand Slam champion with my boy, we have known each other since we were eight, nine years old, done some serious things together, had some serious experiences, but it’s amazing,” said Kokkinakis. said. “We did not expect it at all.”
The 25-year-old Kokkinakis has suffered several serious injury setbacks in his career. Still, the South Australian’s perseverance was rewarded this summer, and earlier this month also won a first ATP singles title at Adelaide.
“I had an amazing summer,” Kokkinakis said. “Compared to what I have been through over the past few years, I could not have asked for anything more. Adelaide was No. 1 for me, but it trumped it. “
It was a reaffirmating experience for Kokkinakis, who admits his determination has been tested in recent years.
“I knew what I was capable of, but you always doubt and you always think to yourself, ‘what if this does not happen? What if my career is not planned the way I want it to be? Or what if I never win a title or get such a chance? ‘”He admitted.
“Being the kind of place where I felt the lowest low point was, to win a title in my hometown, was incredible. It’s just a big weight off my shoulders. This is proof of my team and everyone who has stayed with me through many difficult times.
“To win a Grand Slam afterwards, this month was incredible for me… hopefully it’s a start. But even if it is as good as it gets for me, I am happy. ”
The success had a similar impact on Kyrgios, acknowledging that these two weeks were the best experience of his professional career.
“I feel like a completely different person, to be honest. Just happy, ”Kyrgios admitted.
Kokkinakis and Kyrgios are the 13th all-Australian team to win an Australian Open men’s doubles title in the Open era, and the first since Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge 25 years ago.
| Australian Open men’s doubles All-Australian Open Champions |
|
| Team | Year |
| Rod Laver / Roy Emerson | 1969 |
| John Newcombe / Tony Roche | 1971, 1976 |
| Ken Rosewall / Owen Davidson | 1972 |
| John Newcombe / Malcolm Anderson | 1973 |
| Ross Case / Geoff Masters | 1974 |
| John Alexander / Phil Dent | 1975 |
| Ray Ruffels / Allan Stone | 1977 |
| Peter McNamara / Paul McNamee | 1979 |
| Mark Edmondson / Kim Warwick | 1980, 1981 |
| John Alexander / John Fitzgerald | 1982 |
| Mark Edmondson / Paul McNamee | 1983 |
| Todd Woodbridge / Mark Woodforde | 1992, 1997 |
| Thanasi Kokkinakis / Nick Kyrgios | 2022 |
Kokkinakis and Kyrgios will be rewarded when next week’s ATP tour rankings are announced.
Currently no. 456 and no. 259 ranked, both are projected to make their top-50 debut.
“Show when we play together and we’re locked up, anything is possible,” Kokkinakis said. “We hope to play a little more this year.”
Australian Open 2022
RESULTS
Men & # 39; s Doubles Final
[WC] Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) / Nick Kyrgios (AUS) d Matt Ebden (AUS) / Max Purcell (AUS) 7-5 6-4
Women & # 39; s Singles Final
[1] Ash Barty (AUS) d [27] Danielle Collins (USA) 6-3 7-6 (2)
> READ: Barty crowned AO 2022 champion
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