'This big boy is gonna be out tonight!' – Nick Kyrgios mortifies Thanasi Kokkinakis in Australian Open speech

ByBen Snowball

Updated 29/01/2022 at 16:45 GMT

Nick Kyrgios: Grand Slam champion. It was not in the format many expected when he burst onto the scene in knocking out Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014 as a teenager, but his career appears to be back on track after his thrilling run to the men’s doubles title alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis. Inevitably, there was a classic Kyrgios line in his victory speech...

Nick Kyrgios could not resist poking fun at Thanasi Kokkinakis after the pair’s sensational run in the Australian Open men’s doubles ended with a trophy.

The temperamental Aussie is a lesser-spotted figure in the second week at a Grand Slam but has discovered a new lease of life on the doubles court alongside his friend.

The duo, dubbed the Special Ks, saw off Mathew Ebden and Max Purcells in straight sets in an all-Australian final on Saturday.

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“This week has been a dream come true for me. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else,” said Kyrgios.

“I’m super happy. I don’t even know how we’re doing this or what’s going on right now to be brutally honest.”

Kyrgios then turned to his team-mate Kokkinakis and said: “I know this big boy’s going to be out tonight, so ladies… let’s go!"

He quickly added: "I’ve got to stop now, I’ve crossed the line."

• 'Get him out!' - Kyrgios demands fan is chucked out in doubles final drama
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Highlights: Kyrgios and Kokkinakis take Australian Open doubles glory

Kyrgios’ career has been largely defined by events away from the racquet, but he followed up a commendable second-round exit to men’s finalist Daniil Medvedev with a thrilling run alongside Kokkinakis.

Injuries and illness had limited Kokkinakis’ time on the big stage, but together the unlikely pairing looked unstoppable all week. Seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe, no stranger to controversy himself, had previously told Eurosport that he hoped this run could rejuvenate their respective singles careers.

"What a week," said Kokkinakis. "Nick, I love you brother. I can honestly say we did not expect to even come close to this."

Although Australia were guaranteed a winner in the doubles, it capped a terrific day for the country after Ashleigh Barty ended a 44-year wait for a home singles champion.

Such was her dominance this week that Eurosport expert Mats Wilander claimed she could go on to win 10 more majors and likened her impact to Roger Federer.

‘This one ranks 1 for me’ – Kyrgios after winning doubles title with Kokkinakis

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