Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios marked their return to competitive tennis with an emotional doubles victory at the Brisbane International on Sunday night. The Australian pair, known as the 'Special Ks', defeated elite doubles specialists Matt Ebden and Rajeev Ram 5-7 6-4 10-8 in a 92-minute contest.
Kokkinakis, who had not played for almost a year, broke down in tears during the on-court interview after the match. The 29-year-old underwent radical pectoral surgery that involved attaching a donor's achilles tendon to his shoulder, a procedure that left him unsure whether he would ever compete again.
“I've never really teared up after a doubles match,” Kokkinakis said. “But all I've gone through in the last 12 months … A lot of surgeons, doctors.” He admitted there were days when he thought there was “no chance” of playing again, but he had done everything possible to give himself a chance.
Kokkinakis, who has previously beaten Roger Federer, said he was surprised by his level despite not yet hitting top gear on serve. He produced impressive forehand winners and a decisive reflex volley on match point. “I don't know what my future holds,” he added, “but I've done everything I can to give myself a chance.”
He will now turn his attention to singles at the Adelaide International next week, while Kyrgios, back after three injury-hit years, faces Aleksandar Kovacevic in Brisbane on Tuesday. Kyrgios praised their effort, saying: “Who knows what this year could look like for us, doubles wise?”
