‘Special’ return hopes
Thanasi Kokkinakis wants to “run it back” with great mate Nick Kyrgios after they stunned the world to win the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles title, but the world No.65 concedes he does not know when the big-hitting Aussie will return from injury.
The pair won an all-Aussie final in Melbourne almost two years ago, with the “Special K” duo dazzling crowds with their unorthodox style.
But there will be no dream reunion at next month’s Australian Open with Kyrgios ruling himself out of the event having been restricted to just one singles match in 2023.
“Me and Nick have to run it back at some point,” Kokkinakis (right) said in Brisbane, confirming he will team up with Alexei Popyrin at the Australian Open.
“Hopefully he can get back healthy, but we’ll see how we go.
“You never know (when he’ll be back) with injuries. I’ve had my fair share, and a lot of the time when you miss some time, a lot of other niggles come back when you start.
“He’s having a wrist injury at the moment so hopefully he can come back as soon as possible.
“I’m not sure when that’ll be, but I know he’s trying to do everything he can.”
Kokkinakis, 27, had dealt with a horror run of injuries but is confident his best is yet to come after reaching the third round at the French Open to go with a secondround exit in Melbourne after leading Andy Murray two sets to love.
“My best tennis is ahead of me but how long I’ll play, I don’t know because I do struggle to play week in, week out,” he said, with the pair an outside chance of playing at the Brisbane International if Kokkinakis makes the main draw.
“A lot of guys are like robots that love playing week in, week out everywhere and that’s the bit I struggle with.
“But in tennis years I’m probably 22, 23, and feel like I’ve missed four years, so I still have my best tennis ahead.
“It’s just about trying to lock in for whatever’s left in my career.
“I’m sick of that guy (Murray). I don’t want to see him.”
Murray is not the only grand slam champion in Brisbane, with Spanish legend Rafael Nadal to make his longawaited return after a chronic hip injury virtually wiped out his 2023 campaign.
“It’s going to be great for the city of Brisbane,” Kokkinakis said.
“He’s obviously one of the best players of all time so it’s awesome to have him back.
“The intensity that he brings ... I don’t anyone’s going to take him lightly.”