Home

Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios, Thanasi Kokkinakis through to doubles semi final

Headshot of Catherine Healey
Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
VideoNick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are through to the Australian Open doubles semi final.

The world’s wildest tennis pair are moving on, with Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios winning their way through to the Australian Open doubles semi final.

The Aussie duo again put on a show for the crowd, to take the three-set win over sixth seeds Tim Puetz and Michael Venus 7-5 3-6 6-3.

Speaking after the emotional win, Kokkinakis pleaded with the “rowdy” crowd to show up for the semi final on Thursday.

“When we walk through this tunnel ... there’s nothing like it!” Kokkinakis said.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“It’s packed. Everyone’s going boonta. It’s perfect.

“I haven’t played a doubles match or even a singles match with atmosphere like this.

The Game AFL 2024

“Hopefully (tournament boss Tiley) Craig’s watching and keeps us on this court. The rowdier the better from everybody honestly!

“Sink p**s and come out!”

After taking the first set with a late break of serve, the match swung in the second set as tempers flared on both sides of the net.

The sixth seeds were upset about the serve clock countdown, while Kyrgios blew up over the ball throwing tactics used by their opponents to gain more time to serve.

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis remonstrate with the chair umpire during the second set.
Camera IconNick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis remonstrate with the chair umpire during the second set. Credit: Dave Hunt/AAPIMAGE

It was Puetz and Venus who held their nerve in the second, despite staring down 0-40 in the ninth game.

But once the match headed into a third, the duo dubbed the Special Ks rallied and broke early.

They served out the match in two hours and 16 minutes.

“We grew up in Melbourne Park... I’m not finished,” Kyrgios warned.

“I want to win this f*****g thing.”

The Aussie pair will now face the number three seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos on Thursday.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails