'Special Ks' Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis crash out of Australian Open 2026 doubles after umpire warnings, tweeners and heckler row
Published 22/01/2026 at 14:56 GMT
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The ‘Special Ks’ saw their hopes of repeating their 2022 doubles triumph end at the first hurdle as Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis crashed out of the Australian Open. Having both withdrawn from the singles tournament, the pair were edged out in a dramatic tie-break by fellow Australians Marc Polmans and Jason Kubler, with entertainment giving way to heartbreak in Melbourne.
Watch as Kyrgios is warned by umpire over 'fruity language' as he loses cool
Video credit: TNT Sports
Umpire warnings, tweeners and a running battle with hecklers: Nick Kyrgios once again delivered box-office entertainment at the Australian Open on Thursday.
But any hopes of a fairytale repeat of his 2022 doubles triumph with Thanasi Kokkinakis ended in first-round heartbreak in Melbourne.
The former champions were edged out 4-6 6-4 7-6(10) by fellow Australians Marc Polmans and Jason Kubler in a dramatic match tie-break at Kia Arena.
Both Kyrgios and Kokkinakis had already withdrawn from the singles draw, and their physical struggles were evident as the contest stretched beyond two hours.
Kokkinakis, who has a history of shoulder problems, required a medical timeout after experiencing pain in the joint, while Kyrgios battled on with his knee heavily strapped.
Despite their injury woes, the ‘Special Ks’ looked on track for victory after leading by a break in the deciding third set.
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Kyrgios hurls racquet on ground as frustration hits boiling point
Video credit: TNT Sports
However, a close call swung the momentum when Polmans and Kubler earned an early mini-break in the tie-break, after Kokkinakis was ruled to have struck the ball before it crossed the net, prompting jeers from the crowd.
From there, the momentum shifted decisively as Polmans and Kubler held firm to close out victory.
A packed-out Kia Arena arrived in anticipation of the usual drama served up by 2022 Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios - and they were not disappointed.
Moments after receiving an audible obscenity warning, Kyrgios risked further punishment when he violently threw his racquet across the court.
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Watch as Kyrgios 'builds the pressure' with a tweener as fans go wild
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ever the entertainer, Kyrgios brought the crowd to their feet by winning an unlikely point after an audacious tweener.
The crowd were also treated to an underarm serve, with Kyrgios once again dipping into his trademark arsenal of tricks.
As tension grew in the tie-breaker, Kyrgios asked a heckler: "who are you?"
But the Special Ks did not have an answer to Polmans and Kubler, who closed out victory in relentless fashion.
"When you play those two, you're in for an experience," said a delighted Kubler.
"The energy everyone brought out tonight was crazy. I don't know if I'll feel like that for the rest of the tournament."
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'Who are you?' - Kyrgios unimpressed with heckling in match tie-break
Video credit: TNT Sports
Polmans added: "It was very cool to share a court with Thanasi and Nick.
"It's great to see them back on court and I know Thanasi has a problem with his shoulder so I wish them all their best with their recovery.
"It was awesome to share a court with them tonight and I really enjoyed the tennis.
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"They're great guys and I really hope they can get their bodies healthy again."
Kyrgios is expected to be back in doubles action again on Friday when he teams up with Canada's Leylah Fernandez, as they take on Great Britain's Neal Skupski and Desirae Krawczyk of the United States.
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Stream every match of the 2026 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+
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