Australian Open Day 5: Thanasi Kokkinakis, Nick Kyrgios retire from doubles match

Heartbreaking scenes have completely deflated the crowd in Melbourne as Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis called it quits out of the blue.

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis look dejected as they leave John Cain Arena. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Australian Open experienced a wild day on Thursday, capped by a sad ending to Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis’ bid for another doubles title.

The Special Ks came into their opening match under a huge fitness cloud and that spelled the end for the duo, who were forced to retire when trailing compatriots James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic 5-7 2-3 in the second set.

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It quickly ended the Special Ks’ hopes of adding to their 2022 crown at Melbourne Park, but that was far from the only drama on Day 5.

American Danielle Collins was too strong for rising Aussie Destanee Aiava in their second round match-up, prevailing 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 6-2.

But the 10th seed’s conduct during and particularly after the match were the real talking point, after she berated the crowd and then took part in a bizarre post-match interview.

There was some better news for the local fans after Alex de Minaur powered into the third round in straight sets, while there were also victories for Taylor Fritz, popular veteran Gael Monfils, Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu.

Defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner also progressed in four sets after a brief scare against little known Aussie Tristan Schoolkate.

On Friday, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka will all be back in action.

Check out how a crazy day of tennis unfolded below.

Originally published as Australian Open Day 5: Thanasi Kokkinakis, Nick Kyrgios retire from doubles match