The much-anticipated return of the 'Special Ks' to the Australian Open doubles draw proved to be a brief but dramatic affair, as Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis were edged out in a gripping three-set encounter by fellow Australians Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans. The former champions, battling significant injury concerns, fell 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (4) in a match that captivated a raucous Kia Arena crowd and showcased both brilliant tennis and considerable physical struggle.
A Night of High Drama and Physical Toll
From the outset, it was clear this would be no ordinary doubles match. Originally scheduled for an afternoon start, the contest didn't begin until 9pm due to Stan Wawrinka's marathon singles victory earlier in the day. The delay only heightened anticipation among the 5,000-strong crowd, who created an electric atmosphere throughout the evening's proceedings.
Both Kyrgios and Kokkinakis entered the tournament carrying well-documented injury problems that had prevented them from competing in singles. Their physical limitations became increasingly apparent as the match progressed, with Kokkinakis requiring treatment for shoulder pain during the third set and Kyrgios revealing he had taken painkillers before taking to the court.
Frustration and Farewells
The post-match comments reflected both the physical toll and competitive frustration of the evening. "I don't want to play another match feeling like that ever again," Kokkinakis admitted. "I will take a serious break. The crowd was incredible. It was exciting, unfortunately probably they saw shadows of our former selves."
Kyrgios expressed particular annoyance about what he perceived as inconsistent rules regarding video replays, specifically referencing decisions during the crucial deciding tiebreak. "How can you review a ball that's been hit over the net, but you can't review a serve over the net?" he questioned. "Doesn't make any fucking sense."
The Match Unfolds: From Promise to Heartbreak
The first set established the evening's theatrical tone, with Kyrgios conducting the crowd and engaging in constant dialogue. Despite their lack of recent match play, the Special Ks showed flashes of their former brilliance, with Kyrgios's serve remaining particularly effective even as he was broken in the opener following an unusual underarm serve attempt.
As the match progressed into the second set, both players began to find their rhythm. Kyrgios demonstrated impressive touch at the net while Kokkinakis started striking his returns with greater authority. Their persistence paid off when they broke Kubler late in the set to level the match, sending the contest into a deciding third set.
A Dramatic Final Set Collapse
The momentum appeared to have swung decisively in favour of Kyrgios and Kokkinakis when they broke for a 3-1 lead in the third set, culminating in the point of the match - a spectacular rally ending with a perfectly executed lob winner from Kyrgios. At 4-1 ahead, victory seemed imminent.
However, the physical toll began to tell. Kokkinakis required medical attention for his shoulder at 4-1, and Kyrgios was broken in the following game. Despite holding two match points at 6-5 in the decider, the pair couldn't close out the victory, with Polmans producing crucial shots under pressure to force a tiebreak.
Controversy and Conclusion
The deciding tiebreak began controversially with a disputed let call, followed by a video review that went against Kyrgios and Kokkinakis when their opponents challenged whether Kokkinakis had hit a volley before the ball crossed the net. From that pivotal moment, Kubler and Polmans seized control, ultimately securing their passage to the next round.
Reflecting on his immediate future, Kyrgios remained uncertain. "I'm tired," he admitted. "My goal in the last couple of months was to play all these tournaments, get through some doubles. I've got mixed tomorrow and then I'll re-evaluate what my schedule looks like. That's it. I've ticked all my boxes, all my goals the last month and a half."
The match provided everything spectators have come to expect from a Kyrgios appearance - underarm serves, racket throws, passionate interactions with fans, and moments of pure tennis brilliance. Yet ultimately, it served as a poignant reminder of the physical demands of elite sport and the fine margins that separate victory from defeat at the highest level.
