The Australian Open 2025 has commenced with contrasting outcomes for local favourites Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios.
Kokkinakis showcased remarkable resilience in his opening match, overcoming multiple injury issues to secure a victory over Russia’s Roman Safiullin. The gruelling encounter lasted over four hours, with Kokkinakis prevailing 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).
Reflecting on his performance, Kokkinakis said the crowd lifted him to victory.
“You guys willed me through. I was struggling there, I was cooked,” he said in his on-court interview.
“I tweaked something but I took some pain killers and battled through, as I had to pull out of Adelaide and didn’t want to pull out here. I’m super happy to get another crazy win.”
In contrast, Kyrgios faced a challenging return to Grand Slam tennis, succumbing to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in straight sets: 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2).
Kyrgios, who has been battling injuries, hinted at a potential shift in his career focus, suggesting this might be his final singles appearance at the Australian Open.
He remarked, “I can’t probably see myself playing singles matches here again.”
Despite his singles loss, Kyrgios remains committed to the doubles competition, where he will reunite with Kokkinakis. The duo, affectionately known as the ‘Special Ks’, previously clinched the Australian Open men’s doubles title in 2022 and are eager to replicate their success.
