Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis progressed to the men’s doubles final against compatriots Max Purcell and Matt Ebden.
Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis roll into men’s doubles final (AP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis reached men’s doubles final
- Kyrgios and Kokkinakis will meet Ebden and Purcell in all-Aussie final
- Kyrgios and Kokkinakis had entered the year’s first major as wildcards
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, dubbed the “Special K” team, defeated the third-seeded pair of Marcel Granollers of Spain and Horacio Zeballos of Argentina 7-6 (4), 6-4 to reach the all-Australian men’s double final on Saturday at Melbourne Park.
“It sounds stupid, but winning has been our second priority every time,” Kokkinakis told reporters. “We hope to have fun, enjoy ourselves, enjoy our time on court. Hopefully they (crowd) feel like they’ve paid good money to watch us.”
Playing at the same time at Margaret Court Arena, Ebden and Purcell defeated the second-seeded pair of American Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury of Britain 6-3 7-6(9) with far fewer people in the stands.
The pairing of Kyrgios and Kokkinakis entered the year’s first major as wildcards and went on to defeat top seeds Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic of Croatia in the second round.
Australian fans have flocked to Melbourne Park to support the duo and provide a raucous atmosphere at their matches, bringing the doubles more attention than normal at Melbourne Park.
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