Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, the fan-favorite duo who won the 2022 Australian Open doubles title, saw their long-awaited comeback end in disappointment as injuries forced them to withdraw from their second-round match on Thursday.
A promising start spoiled by injuries
Facing Australians Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth, Kyrgios and Kokkinakis struggled to reproduce their magic of 2022. Kokkinakis, hampered by a shoulder injury suffered during his tough singles defeat against Briton Jack Draper, visibly had problems. difficulties in service. Meanwhile, Kyrgios was dealing with ongoing abdominal issues that required medical timeouts during the match.
After losing the first set 7-5, the duo bowed out while trailing 2-3 in the second set, marking a bitter end to their campaign.
Kokkinakis: “I feel like I’m letting him down”
Kokkinakis admitted the toll his injuries have taken on his body and expressed his frustration at not being able to measure up for his close friend and doubles partner.
“I feel like I’m letting him (Kyrgios) down, I’m letting people down,” Kokkinakis said after his singles loss to Draper. “I won’t be able to lift my arm tomorrow. Unless we are both playing with under-leg serves, that seems rather unlikely.”
The 26-year-old admitted that his recurring shoulder problems have made it difficult to recover between matches. “I’ve been trying to fix this manually for years, without surgery,” he explained. “That’s why I can’t play big matches.”
Kyrgios’ uncertain future
For Kyrgios, the Australian Open was already tinged with uncertainty. Following his singles loss to Jacob Fearnley earlier in the tournament, Kyrgios hinted that this could be his final appearance at the event. His abdominal injury is an ongoing concern, and his withdrawal on Thursday only adds questions about his long-term form.
“I knew after (the Open) I had some serious decisions to make,” a admis Kyrgios. “I was just trying to empty the tank for this week and see what I can do.”
A disappointing return
Their withdrawal marks a stark contrast to their fairytale run in 2022, when they won the doubles title at the Australian Open in front of adoring home crowds. Injuries have plagued both players in recent years, and their struggles underscore the physical toll the sport has had on them.
For fans, retirement is a bittersweet moment, as it may have been the last chance to see the iconic duo compete together at Melbourne Park.
What’s next for Kyrgios and Kokkinakis?
Both players face significant uncertainty over their futures. Kokkinakis may need to take time off to treat his recurring shoulder injury, while Kyrgios must decide whether to continue competing amid ongoing physical issues and doubts about his motivation.
Their premature exit highlights the fragility of careers in professional tennis, even for players who have enjoyed the pinnacle of success.
