Mark Woodforde: Unpredictable doubles pairing Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are doing the unthinkable

Mark Woodforde writes exclusively on the stunning rise of the Special Ks and why tennis fans — and their doubles rivals — should have seen their Australian Open brilliance coming.

A few weeks back, when the Australian Open men’s doubles draw was being done, only one Australian name stood out. It was John Peers, veteran of the sport, who matched up with Filip Polasek and played as the No 5 seeds.

Naturally with a home slam, the floor was open for other Aussie hopefuls to be granted wildcards. Five pairs were given the coveted entry to play.

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No doubt Peersy had planned to be involved in the back-end of his home slam.

He is a two-time champion in Melbourne and a finalist at Wimbledon and the US Open. His experience is unmatched.

Fast forward a fortnight and who would have called this result? An all-Australian final for the first time in 42 years but both pairs unseeded.

It’s unheard of.

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How did we not see this coming from Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios? Picture: AFP

I honestly thought that for Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios, the goal was to come and have a few laughs, absorb the home crowd, have a crack at winning and shake it off if things didn’t work out.

I don’t think I’m alone in underestimating just how darn good they are as a doubles pairing.

Both their service games are built for doubles. They’re rock solid. They have no fear and their presence on court is unmatched. I think that’s been central to their success, they have made the court theirs.

It’s Nick and Thanasi’s world, we’re all just living in it.

“Traditional” doubles pairs serve and volley behind both serves.

But why would Nick or Thanasi follow the norm? That’s what makes them so exciting to watch and, moreover, so unpredictable.

Their tactics have seen them do the impossible, the unthinkable. It’s brilliant.

They come up against conventional again tonight – in the form of compatriots Matt Ebden and Max Purcell.

A duo not to be underestimated. Reaching the final is as much of an achievement for them as Nick and Thanasi in many ways.

One half of the terrific ‘Woodies’ doubles pairing with Todd Woodbridge, Mark Woodforde says Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are doing special things for doubles tennis.

They’re a terrific blend of experience and youth. Ebden is a terrific net player and Purcell is learning his craft.

Their no-antics approach to doubles stands in stark contrast to the showmen on the other side of the net.

Now the opportunity to become grand slam champions is on the line. It’s a privilege I hope they all appreciate and acknowledge.

I’m not picking a winner, I’m just celebrating that Australia will have a champion and doubles is back in prime time.

Originally published as Mark Woodforde: Unpredictable doubles pairing Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are doing the unthinkable