Fresh of his and Thanasi Kokkinakis’ whirlwind run to the Australian Open men’s doubles title, Nick Kyrgios has praised the pair’s efforts in adding a new dimension to this year’s tournament.
Fans have flocked to see the pair play throughout the fortnight at Melbourne Park, which culminated in a 7-5, 6-4 win over compatriots Matt Ebden and Max Purcell on Saturday night.
Riding in their slipstream has been drama aplenty, with crowds at their matches copping plenty of criticism for their antics, a last-minute eviction during the final the latest in a long line of examples.
In typical style, Kyrgios turned heads in his post-match press conference, doubling down on his delight at the experience he and Kokkinakis have provided at the year’s first grand slam – revealing that even women’s champion Ashleigh Barty’s father Robert has been impressed.
“I would say that we’ve created probably the best atmosphere that this tournament’s ever seen, to be brutally honest with you,” Kyrgios said.
“Ash’s father came to us and said the crowd was the best he’s ever seen.
“Obviously Ash is a hell of a player, but I think the ratings speak for themselves. People watch my matches, everywhere I play around the world the stadiums are full for that reason.
“There’s a reason why the ratings are the way they are, and people are glued to the TV when we play. Speaks for itself, really.”
However, Kyrgios and Kokkinakis’ final was beaten in the ratings by Barty on Saturday night, with Australian audience measurement research firm OzTAM revealing 4.261 million people tuned in to see the world number one down Danielle Collins in the earlier match on Rod Laver Arena, compared to 3.154 million for the doubles final.
That, though, was still easily the highest-rating doubles final since OzTAM’s inception.
Kyrgios also opened up on his delight at securing a grand slam title, describing the match as his favourite tennis memory.
“I’ve won some big titles around the world, played some amazing matches… this one ranks one for me,” he said.
“When I say I wouldn’t want to do it with everyone else, I mean it. It was just special, the whole week; even winning each round I didn’t take for granted. I was soaking it in.
“Not once did it cross my mind that we were going to win the title – maybe, when we got to the quarters, I started maybe thinking.”
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis celebrate winning the Australian Open men’s doubles final. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Criticised in the past for his approach towards match preparation – which has included, among other things, ‘playing FIFA until 3am’ – Kyrgios also noted his professionalism throughout this tournament.
“Honestly, the dedication I showed all week for my team, I’m just super proud of myself,” Kyrgios said.
“I could have not really cared too much after I lost to [Daniil] Medvedev [in the singles], but doing it with ‘Kokk’ is insane.
I feel like a completely different person, to be honest. Just happy, honestly. On my off days, I was waking up at 7:30, coming in here at 8:30.
“I just thank my team. In the past I haven’t had that many good people around me, and they’ve taken advantage of me.
“I’ve had an amazing two weeks, had some amazing experiences, and I’ve just gone about it the right way.”
The source of Kyrgios’ newfound commitment is also clear – his doubles partner and close mate.
“I owe it to ‘Kokk’, you know. The way he came out this summer and won that tournament… I’m not going to ruin [it],” Kyrgios said.
“We don’t know how many Aus Opens we’re going to play in the future, due to injury or just deciding not to play, so I thought there was a chip on my shoulder to do everything I can to play and play well, and look what happened.
“This is a memory that we’re never going to forget. We’re going to grow old and we’re always going to remember the time we rolled off the couch and just won Aus Open.
“Honestly. F—ing crazy.”
‘F—ing nuts,” Kokkinakis added.
jameswm
Roar Guru
It has?
Phil
Roar Rookie
Strewth, is this bloke for real. As much as I admire Aussie sports people I find it difficult to warm to Kyrgios. His self promotion in saying that he and his mate have promoted tennis is hard to take. I note that he is learning from Ash to mention his "team," a word with no I in it. All good stuff but his history, I feel tells the real story about him. His obnoxious behaviour, tanking, abuse of match officials, tantrums smashing racquets, injuring kids watching and his sagging bottom lip to go with his smart @r$ed attitude in pressers is not, to me, what a fair dinkum Aussie really is. Sure, he and his mate won the trophy but it is no comparison to what Ash did.
Reg Grundy
Guest
I heard on Offsiders that their not planning on playing doubles at Wimbledon and French Open, because they require a minimum of 3 sets. I thought all the Grand Slam doubles required 2 sets minimum, apparently not.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
This could really spark Krygios in singles. For the first time in his career, he seems to be genuinely happy to be playing tennis.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
And 7 get the cricket and every series has been boring
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Haven’t watched Kyrgios for years because I simply don’t like the guy. Not because of his antics so much but too often in the past he never put in his best effort or just didn’t show up. And doubles tennis now seems a bit like BBL cricket which I don’t watch either. No one ever remembers who wins but apparently it’s good “entertainment” and good for ratings at the time. I guess the actual sport comes second to entertainment now. Watched Barty and then turned it off.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Geez channel 7 had the Aus Open for decades. Then they allowed someone else to get the rights and a few years later an Aussie wins it.