The dynamic Australian tennis duo, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, have boldly set their sights on a fairytale repeat of their 2022 heroics, declaring their intention to win a second Australian Open men's doubles title together in 2026.
Battling Back from the Brink
Speaking ahead of the tournament at Melbourne Park, both athletes expressed profound gratitude simply for being back on court following protracted battles with serious injuries. Kyrgios has contended with persistent wrist and knee problems, while Kokkinakis has fought to overcome a debilitating shoulder issue that sidelined him from singles for a year.
These physical setbacks have precipitated a significant slide down the world rankings for the pair, fuelling external doubts about their capacity to contend for major honours again. In response, they have made the strategic decision to skip the singles draw entirely this year, channelling all their energy into a focused doubles campaign to give their bodies the best chance of lasting the distance.
"The shoulder is okay and it's going to be fine for doubles," Kokkinakis assured, referencing a minor setback at the Adelaide International that he views as a natural part of his comeback journey. "I wasn't even sure I could get back to this point... [but] we're feeling ready, and if we play to our capabilities, we can do some damage."
A Partnership Forged in Friendship and Fire
The 'Special Ks' combination remains one of the most electrifying tickets in tennis, renowned for their chest-bumping celebrations, audacious 'tweener' shots, and sheer entertainment value. Kokkinakis attributes much of their on-court synergy to the deep friendship they share off it, a bond that has only strengthened through their parallel rehabilitation journeys.
"There are some similarities of trying to get back, doing all the rehab, and it's a long process," the 29-year-old South Australian explained. "There's a lot of things that people don't see, a lot of hours every day... So we do speak about it, but we're trying to focus on the future, and I think we've still got a few good years left in us."
Their form offers a glimmer of promise; the pair showed positive signs at the Brisbane International before being narrowly ousted in three sets in the round of 16 by the sixth-seeded team of Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul.
Eyes on the Prize and a Potential Celebration
The potential for another deep run by Kyrgios and Kokkinakis is a major boon for Australian Open organisers, who are already riding high after record attendances during qualifying week. The duo are guaranteed fan favourites, with Kokkinakis's star power vividly on display when he unveiled a 2.5-metre tall statue of himself at his sponsor's marquee, serenaded by a mariachi band.
When asked about potential victory celebrations, Kokkinakis hinted they would likely head straight to that very marquee, home to Altos Tequila, where he had been mixing cocktails. He did, however, issue a playful warning about his charismatic partner.
"I've got to be careful with Nick, once he likes a drink, it could get messy," he laughed. "If [the Australian Open campaign] goes alright, we'll keep it under wraps, but we will have to pop by."
With the main draw commencing on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the stage is set for Kyrgios and Kokkinakis to embark on their quest for a sixth consecutive match victory and a second slice of Grand Slam glory, aiming to once again captivate the Melbourne Park crowds and defy the sceptics.
