Nick Kyrgios drops massive news with Thanasi Kokkinakis ahead of Australian Open return

Nick Kyrgios has sent Aussie tennis fans' tongues wagging by revealing he will once again team up with his best mate Thanasi Kokkinakis in the men's doubles at next month's Australian Open. The exciting Aussie duo, nicknamed the 'Special Ks', dazzled the last time they took to Melbourne Park together, stunning the tennis world to claim the 2022 men's doubles title in front a roaring home crowd.

Their infectious and brash brand of tennis caught the attention of fans around the world. And the news that they will once again compete together is sure to put plenty of bums in seats. However, Kyrgios - who will be making his return from injury at the upcoming Brisbane International - hinted in his announcement that it could be the last time they join forces.

"WE WILL BE BACK FOR THE Australian Open .... Expect a rollercoaster..... one last time," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram. While Kokkinakis elaborated on the pair's decision to team up again, saying it was a "tricky" call given the fact both men are prioritising a deep singles run at Melbourne Park.

"Doubles is a tricky one because everyone loved it last time," Kokkinakis said. "We loved it, it was so much fun. It's definitely not going to be the priority for us. We feel like we owe it to people to get back out there and have some fun.

"It's not something we've practised, but yeah, singles is definitely the goal. It's a tricky one. If you have a big five-setter, with all due respect, the last thing you want to do is go out and play doubles the next day, but we'll play it by ear and see how it goes."

Nick Kyrgios to make return at Brisbane International

Kyrgios, 29, who has had a horror run of wrist and knee injuries, will play at the Brisbane International starting December 29, before returning to the grand slam stage at Melbourne Park, which starts on January 12. He is using a protected ranking for his first Open since 2022, having pulled out on the eve of his first-round match in 2023.

And his Australian Open doubles partner expects him to put on a show on his return. "It's gonna be great for tennis, great for fans in Australia, fans all over the world," Kokkinakis added on Kyrgios' return to the court.

"He's a different cat. Obviously (he) has a different sort of energy about him, and he's a hell of a player, so I think people are going to love having him back. It's been a long time coming. I think he's been ready for a while now to play, but I think he wanted to make sure he's really ready (before) he steps back, so hopefully he can stay healthy.'

Thanasi Kokkinakis hoping to break into men's top 50

The 28-year-old has been struck down by multiple injury setbacks himself and earlier this week revealed he thought about giving up the sport as he battled abdominal injuries, groin injuries, as well as having to undergo shoulder surgery. But despite his struggles, 2024 was somewhat of a breakout year for the Aussie where he claimed victories over the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jack Draper.

He also notably dispatched American Ben Shelton at last month's Davis Cup to send Australia through to the semi-finals. And in 2025, the World No.77 says his aim is to stay healthy, make at least the Australian Open third round for the first time and crack the top 50.

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"I’ve had a higher ranking than where I finished up, but I feel as far as consistent big wins and my tennis level, it’s as good as I’ve been," he said. "I’m going to use it as a springboard for this year coming up. I feel like my tennis is right there with the top guys, and I’m really knocking on the door.

"I’ve just got to keep working hard, and not take my foot off the gas. Top 50 is the next push for me, and I don’t need to stop there. I think I can keep going, but that’s obviously the short-term goal."

with AAP