‘We owe it to ourselves’: Nick Kyrgios vows to get back out there in doubles pairing with Kokkinakis

Nick Kyrgios has vowed to double up with Thanasi Kokkinakis to bring the party back to Melbourne Park, saying he wants to repay the faith of fans.

Nick Kyrgios has vowed to bring the party back to Melbourne Park in a dynamic doubles duo with Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis after his shock announcement of probable retirement from the Australian Open main draw.

Kyrgios made more headlines after his opening round loss to World No.86 Jacob Fearnley on Monday in his first grand slam match in more than two years, suggesting the defeat was likely his last singles match at the AO.

But in an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun, Kyrgios said he wanted to repay the faith of fans and replicate the joy of his 2023 AO doubles title with Kokkinakis as the “Special Ks’’.

“I think we owe it to ourselves to go out there again and just enjoy, not necessarily trying to defend or anything like that although if it happens it happens, but the joy of going out there as past champions,’’ he said.

“Being involved again together and the crowd, I think we deserve that.

“We never really came and lapped it up again at the AO because of my injuries.

“I think he (Kokkinakis) will enjoy it too and he deserves it after the career he’s had and now he’s playing some great tennis.

“I think we deserve to go out there and have a bit of fun.’’

Thanasi Kokkinakis with Nick Kyrgios. Picture: Getty Images

It comes as 10 time AO winner Novak Djokovic said Kyrgios’ return to tennis this year was “great for the game’’.

“He’s a very charismatic guy — just brings a lot to tennis, you know,’’ he told the Herald Sun.

“There are people that don’t like him. People that love him. People that hate him.

“But he doesn’t leave people neutral.

“He is evoking and provoking emotions in people and I think that is taken for granted, particularly in our sport, how important that is.’’

Djokovic, who played doubles with Kyrgios at this summer’s Brisbane International, said he was good “for the growth of the game’’.

“If this player really excites people, particularly young people, they want to come and watch him play, that is what you want,’’ he said.

“You want characters.

“You want people that get the crowd going because that is creating attention.’’

Kyrgios says he wants to repay the faith of fans and replicate the joy of his 2023 AO doubles title with Kokkinakis. Picture: AFP

Djokovic said wrist and knee injuries that had sidelined Kyrgios had been “brutal’’ but he still had the game to compete at the highest level.

“I wish him all the best,’’ Djokovic said.

“I think he has got so many weapons in his game and can be extremely dangerous for anybody on any surface.’’

Past and present players urged Kyrgios to think again about retiring, suggesting he could still make it at the top but needed patience on a long road back.

Fellow Aussie Jordan Thompson said Kyrgios could still have his best tennis ahead.

“He made a Wimbledon final so he could be a top 10 player,’’ he said.

“I think he will get back to the top 20 and go close if he stays healthy.

“I think he’s lucky to be playing tennis with the wrist injury — just him being on court is a bonus.

“I’m sure it will be tough at the start but I’m sure if he stays healthy he will be back in no time.’’

Kyrgios made more headlines after his opening round loss to World No.86 Jacob Fearnley on Monday in his first grand slam match in more than two years. Picture: Michael Klein

Tennis greats are urging Kyrgios not to retire. Picture: Michael Klein

Aussie World. No. 24 Alexei Popyrin said Kyrgios “definitely brings the crowd — he has a huge following.

“I always say that he is one of the most talented players on tour and when he is healthy and his mind is in the right frame then he will be trouble.’’

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said there was “a uniqueness’’ to Kyrgios who was “great for the event, great for the game.’’

“We need the character and the energy that Nick brings,’’ he said.

“Every fan has a player they like and dislike — that’s been normal for hundreds of years — and Nick has an attraction to a more youthful audience, to the Gen Zers.

“He’s a challenge to the establishment

“They like his freedom of expression, they way he competes and the way he carried himself.

“And I like the energy he brings when he plays.’’

Originally published as ‘We owe it to ourselves’: Nick Kyrgios vows to get back out there in doubles pairing with Kokkinakis