The “Special Ks” show at the Australian Open ended on a high after Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis claimed their first major title by defeating compatriots Max Purcell and Matt Ebden in the men’s doubles final on Saturday.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, nicknamed the “Special Ks” as juniors, entertained the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena with a 7-5 6-4 victory under the lights.
They are the first wildcard team to win the Australian Open men’s doubles title in the professional era.
“What a week! It was a super tough match but a great week all around,” said Kokkinakis, who claimed his first ATP title at Adelaide before the Australian Open.
“Nick, I love you brother. Man, I can honestly say we did not expect to even come close to this, but with the help of you guys (the crowd) all week, it was unbelievable. The coverage we got and the support for us, we could not ask for anything more.”
A backhand from Kokkinakis sealed the first break of the match in the 11th game and the duo closed out the opening set on their service game as the fans imitated Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu!” goal celebration to cheer the duo.
The duo took a 4-3 lead in the second set after breaking to love before they had a match point denied by their opponents at 5-4.
The pair finally wrapped up the match on serve, with Kyrgios blasting two aces as they won the contest in 95 minutes, completing their fairytale run at Melbourne Park where they stunned top seeds Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic of Croatia in the second round.
“This week has been a dream come true for me. I wouldn’t wanna do it with anyone else,” said Kyrgios “I am just super happy. I don’t even know how we are doing this, or what’s going on right now to be brutally honest.”
The pair, who thrilled fans throughout the tournament with their entertaining play, are the first all-Australian men’s doubles champions at the season’s opening slam since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde triumphed in 1997.
More Stories
Djokovic Edges Closer To Grand Slam Record With Spot In Last Eight
Hamilton Hails ‘Mega Job’ By Mercedes, Focused On Next Year
Verstappen Wins In Spain To Continue Red Bull Sweep
Benzema Leaves Real Madrid After 14 Years At Club
Milan Say Ibrahimovic Will Not Extend Contract
Tongue Takes Five Wickets As England Crush Ireland
Ten Hag’s United “Broken” After FA Cup Final Loss To Manchester City
Jabeur Upset With Fans Reselling Tickets Due To Women’s Match In Night Session
Mbappe Targets Ligue 1 Scoring Record With PSG Next Season
Swiatek No Fan Of ‘Iga’s Bakery’ Memes After Serving Up Another Double Bagel
Messi To Leave PSG At End Of Season After Two Years At The Club
Man City Edge Closer To Treble After FA Cup Final Win Over Manchester United