Kyrgios and Kokkinakis Shine at Brisbane International
Nick Kyrgios appeared completely relaxed on Pat Rafter Arena on Sunday night, even swaying his hips to a Katy Perry song playing in the background. His partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, could only smile as they made their return as the “Special Ks.”
The atmosphere on a quiet Sunday evening in Queensland couldn’t compare to the vibrant energy of a Melbourne Park night session, but it hardly mattered. Kyrgios briskly entered the court for warmups, wearing a hoodie amidst the muggy 28-degree heat, cheerfully tossing the ball between his legs as he prepared alongside opponent Matt Ebden.
Despite the strength of their competitors—three-time Grand Slam doubles champion and Olympic gold medalist Matt Ebden and six-time major winner Rajeev Ram—the Special Ks didn’t start well, dropping the first set 7-5. However, Kokkinakis soon found his rhythm, and they bounced back to win the second set 6-4, ultimately clinching a thrilling match tie-break 10-8, much to the crowd’s excitement.
“We knew we had quality opponents. It felt like riding a bike,” Kokkinakis remarked post-match, even as he acknowledged some struggle due to recent injury challenges. Having undergone pioneering surgery on his pectoral muscle, Kokkinakis was understandably just grateful to be back on the court.
Having not played a competitive match since the 2025 Australian Open doubles due to injuries, Kokkinakis was noticeably emotional after the match. “It’s been a long year, a challenging one,” he admitted, tears in his eyes. While he won’t compete in the singles tournament in Brisbane, Kyrgios will, and he seemed to take a more laid-back approach, enjoying the game and the atmosphere.
Throughout the match, Kyrgios exhibited his unique flair, providing a blend of entertainment and skill. His theatrical antics, such as exaggerating his reactions to serves or delivering stunning shots at the net, captivated the audience. Kyrgios expressed that playing doubles allows for more creativity and fun, which is essential for their performance. “We have so much fun, and I had an incredible time out there,” he said, further emphasizing the harmony in their partnership.
Kokkinakis echoed Kyrgios’s sentiments, noting their different playing styles but the need for balance on the court. “That’s what makes him so effective—his flair and unpredictability keep opponents guessing,” he said, highlighting how that energy gets amplified, especially during crucial moments in the game. In a high-stakes environment, their ability to enjoy the sport has proven to be a game-changer.
