Thanasi Kokkinakis, the Australian tennis player, has always been known for his fiery demeanor and strong competitive spirit, both of which have helped him carve out a respectable career in professional tennis. However, his latest comments on fellow Aussie and long-time friend Nick Kyrgios shed light on an unexpected side to their relationship—one marked by moments of frustration and tension, despite their close friendship. Kokkinakis recently shared how Kyrgios made him “really mad” after they clinched the 2022 Australian Open doubles title, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional dynamics between the two.
The Australian Open 2022 was a monumental moment for both Kokkinakis and Kyrgios. Not only did they win the men’s doubles title, a thrilling victory for the Aussie duo, but it was also a statement of their undeniable talent as a pair on the doubles circuit. The win was a dream come true, as both players, known for their powerful serves and charismatic personalities, had been on a journey to find consistency in their careers. Their triumph in Melbourne was one of the most memorable stories of the tournament, as it captured the hearts of fans across the globe. But what followed was a surprising twist that Kokkinakis openly discussed during a recent interview.
In his recount of the incident, Kokkinakis didn’t hold back his emotions. Despite the euphoria of winning a Grand Slam together, he admitted to feeling furious with Kyrgios in the aftermath of the victory. Kokkinakis explained that Kyrgios, who has a reputation for his unpredictable and often rebellious behavior, did something that left him feeling disappointed and, to an extent, “really mad.” While Kokkinakis did not dive into specific details initially, the revelation sparked curiosity among fans and tennis pundits alike, eager to learn more about what could have caused such a reaction between the two.
According to Kokkinakis, the tension stemmed from an incident that occurred shortly after the pair’s victory. The doubles title had been hard-earned, with the two players battling through tough matches and displaying their unique on-court chemistry. However, when it came time for the post-match celebrations, Kokkinakis was left feeling somewhat sidelined by Kyrgios’ actions. The usually charismatic and playful Kyrgios, who is often at the center of attention in any social setting, turned his focus away from their shared triumph, leaving Kokkinakis feeling as though he was not fully acknowledged in the moment.
For Kokkinakis, who had grown up alongside Kyrgios and shared many of the highs and lows of their tennis careers, the snub stung deeply. Winning the Australian Open doubles title was a culmination of years of hard work, and Kokkinakis was hoping for a shared celebration—one that would reflect the joint effort that had gone into the achievement. However, Kyrgios, who is known for his larger-than-life personality and eccentric behavior, opted to focus more on other aspects of the celebration, including social media and the aftermath of their victory. This, according to Kokkinakis, made him feel “left out” and as if the moment was not truly shared between the two of them, even though they had worked so hard to earn it.
In a sport like tennis, where individual success often dominates the narrative, the bond between doubles partners is crucial. Winning a Grand Slam together is a testament to the trust, camaraderie, and mutual respect shared between players. In the case of Kokkinakis and Kyrgios, their friendship was forged through years of playing together and supporting each other, both on and off the court. However, like any close relationship, there are bound to be moments of tension, and Kokkinakis’ recent comments are a reflection of those complexities.
Despite the moment of frustration, Kokkinakis was quick to express that he understands Kyrgios’ personality and temperament. He acknowledged that Kyrgios is an individual who often operates on his own terms, and that his behavior is driven by his own unique approach to life and tennis. Kokkinakis, being one of the few people who has known Kyrgios for such a long time, is perhaps more accepting of his quirks and idiosyncrasies than others might be. However, that does not mean he was immune to feeling hurt in this particular situation.
After all, Kokkinakis has always been someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. His passion for the game and his loyalty to his friends is evident in how he approaches both his career and personal relationships. The fact that he was able to publicly address his frustrations with Kyrgios shows a level of maturity and transparency that many fans respect. While it may have taken him a while to process the situation, Kokkinakis ultimately accepted that Kyrgios’ actions were not malicious, but rather a reflection of his personality.
As the months passed after their Australian Open triumph, Kokkinakis and Kyrgios’ bond remained strong. Their relationship, while occasionally complicated by moments of tension like the one Kokkinakis described, has endured the test of time. They have both supported each other through the highs and lows of their respective careers, and their doubles victory in Melbourne only strengthened their friendship. In fact, Kokkinakis has continued to show admiration for Kyrgios’ on-court talents, often praising his unique style of play and his ability to entertain the crowds with his unpredictable flair.
Kokkinakis’ decision to share this behind-the-scenes moment with the public has also shed light on the realities of life as a professional athlete. Even when achieving something as significant as winning a Grand Slam, the emotional dynamics between players can be complex and challenging. The pressure of competing at the highest level, combined with the media scrutiny and the expectations placed on players, can lead to moments of frustration, even among the closest of friends.
For Kokkinakis, the experience of winning the Australian Open with Kyrgios was undoubtedly one of the proudest moments of his career. But it also highlighted the importance of understanding one another, especially in the intense and high-stakes world of professional tennis. The two players have learned to navigate their differences over the years, and despite this particular incident, their friendship has remained intact.
As both players continue their careers, their relationship will undoubtedly evolve, just as their games do. Kokkinakis’ honesty about his feelings only adds another layer of depth to his character, and his willingness to share such personal moments with fans only serves to strengthen his connection with them. In the end, while the road to success is often filled with challenges, moments of frustration, and unexpected twists, Kokkinakis and Kyrgios have proven time and again that their bond is one of the most enduring in Australian tennis.