Radical Doubles Focus Could Elevate Kyrgios to World's Best
Nick Kyrgios' Australian Open dream remains vibrantly alive following a breathtaking mixed doubles showdown that he described as one of the "craziest" nights of his illustrious career. The electrifying performance has ignited serious discussion among tennis pundits, with a bold new suggestion emerging: Kyrgios should consider a radical career move to focus on doubles, a shift that could potentially catapult him to becoming one of the best players in the world in that discipline.
A Stellar Fightback in Melbourne
Kyrgios, teaming up with Canadian star Leylah Fernandez, staged a remarkable comeback to advance to the second round of the mixed doubles at Melbourne Park. The pair triumphed in a nail-biting encounter, overcoming Desirae Krawczyk and Neal Skupski with a scoreline of 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 12-10. The match was a thriller, with Kyrgios and Fernandez surviving three match points in a display of sheer resilience and skill.
Playing with a bandaged leg, Kyrgios appeared completely in his element, feeding off the energy of a boisterous and supportive crowd. This atmosphere is something the Canberra-born athlete has historically thrived in, most notably during his memorable run to the Australian Open doubles title three years ago alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, famously known as the "Special Ks." Although that pairing suffered a first-round exit this year, their past success underscores Kyrgios' natural aptitude for the doubles format.
Expert Calls for a Career Pivot
The conversation around a potential career shift has been amplified by former Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic. Observing both Kyrgios and Kokkinakis battling through injuries—they hobbled through a doubles loss just the night before—Dokic has publicly advocated for them to contemplate a full-time move to the doubles circuit.
"I think we would all love to see them play singles. I think they would too," Dokic acknowledged. "I love Thanasi, he's great. I know what he's gone through with his injury, how rare that surgery is. I hope he's still able to get out there and play some singles."
However, she presented a compelling alternative: "But if they don't, I would actually love to see them play doubles full-time, at least more tournaments. I think that would be amazing. If they play more matches they could be one of the best doubles pairs out there in the world. They've shown it. You do not win a grand slam by chance." Dokic's advice was clear: "Maybe play more doubles together, that would be amazing."
A Strategic Move to Extend His Career
Embracing doubles would represent a significant and radical departure from Kyrgios' primary focus on singles, but it could be the strategic injection needed to prolong his time on the professional tour. After enduring a hellacious injury toll that has left him questioning his future in the sport, a shift to the less physically gruelling doubles format might offer a sustainable path forward.
Reflecting on the epic mixed doubles victory, Kyrgios himself seemed invigorated by the experience. "That was some of the most craziest energy that I've had," he exclaimed. "I've obviously played some amazing matches at the AO but that's got to be one of my favourite ones. [We were] 9-6 down, 7-3. Realistically, tennis players don't always believe you can come back. But I was like, 'If we just went one at a time, maybe we can do it'. The crowd were amazing all day. They stayed, they hung around and it was amazing. I'm really excited for our next round."
His partner, Fernandez, who is also a grand slam singles finalist, praised Kyrgios' infectious positivity and energy, highlighting how it elevated their performance and engaged the spectators.
What Lies Ahead for Kyrgios
Looking forward, Kyrgios and Fernandez are set to face either the British duo of Olivia Nicholls and Henry Patten or the pairing of Anna Danilina and JJ Tracy in the second round. This next match will be another test of their chemistry and fighting spirit.
As the tennis world watches closely, the idea of Nick Kyrgios committing to doubles is no longer just a passing thought but a serious proposition. With his proven talent, crowd-drawing charisma, and the potential for reduced physical strain, this radical move could indeed redefine his career and establish him as a dominant force on the global doubles stage.
