"I had to do it for the both of us": Thanasi Kokkinakis reveals why he is still upset with former doubles partner Nick Kyrgios

Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis has opened up about why he is still mad at his fellow countryman Nick Kyrgios. Both players have been friends for a while and have also participated in the doubles category as well.

The two famously participated in the doubles category during the Australian Open 2022, where they went all the way and lifted the title after beating the pair of Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell in the final in straight sets with a 7-5, 6-4.

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That triumph was a special one because Kokkinakis and Kyrgios entered the competition on a wildcard and still managed to go all the way and secure the title. While doing so, they also defeated the world number one pair in men’s double tennis of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in the second round in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-3.

Kokkinakis recently spoke to the English media outlet Daily Express, where he talked about an incident that left him annoyed with his former double partner. The 28-year-old stated that the two were due to party right after the Australian Open doubles triumph, but he had to do it alone as Kyrgios decided to fly right after the victory. Kokkinakis also stated that he tried to stop the former world number 13, but he did not listen to him. The Adelaide-born star also shed light on how that party was on the night when he arguably won his biggest title.

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“I remember a fun night afterwards that he wasn’t a part of because he took an early flight the next morning which I’m still p***ed off with him about! So I had to do it for the both of us,” he said. “And just a crazy atmosphere, had a lot of Australia talking about it which was cool,” he added. “Changed the perception of doubles I think a little bit around Australia or around the world with a little bit more atmosphere and energy. And I remember a few fans drinking beer out of a shoe.”