Thanasi Kokkinakis admitted he and Nick Kyrgios played like “shadows of our former selves” after the banged-up buddies were dumped from the australian Open men’s doubles in the first round.
After both opting out of playing singles amid ongoing fitness concerns, the “Special Ks” rekindled the partnership that famously delivered a doubles title at Melbourne Park in 2022.
But the fan-favourites weren’t up to the task on Thursday night, with countrymen Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans celebrating their new pairing with a 6-4 4-6 7-6 (10-4) win in front of a boisterous crowd at Kia Arena.
Kyrgios’s taped left knee seemingly gave him some trouble and Kokkinakis fared even worse, serving well early before his troublesome right shoulder got the better of him.
Kokkinakis called a medical timeout when the Special Ks led 4-1 in the final set and underwent treatment,after which Kubler and Polmans fought back to force a tiebreaker and ultimately win the match.
“Regrettably, they saw problably a couple of shadows of our former selves,” Kokkinakis said of the fans who got behind them.
“that’s what’s tough - when you’re not quite there.
“The crowd’s incredible. That’s why we play here. They’re phenomenal.
“They were getting up and about,but we couldn’t get over the line.
“We were trying to do as much as we could.I gave it whatever I could and I know Nick did as well.
“It’s annoying as they come out and support … but unfortunately we were just hobbled, so it kinda sucks.”
Kokkinakis faces another long stint away from the game as he deals with his troublesome shoulder. (AAP images: Joel carrett)
Kokkinakis believes his latest setback is related to the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Adelaide International earlier this month and the agonising decision not to compete in the Open singles tournament.
The 29-year-old South Australian, who spent nearly 12 months on the sidelines following pectoral surgery last February, now faces another extended stint on the sidelines.
Australian tennis players Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans secured a victory in their first-round match, displaying strong energy and teamwork.They will proceed to the second round to face Jakub Paul and Marcus Willis.
Tennis Australia & The Kubler-Polmans Partnership
Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans achieved a win in their debut match as a doubles team. Kubler expressed excitement about the partnership and the high level of energy displayed during the game, acknowledging it may be difficult to replicate consistently throughout the tournament. According to Kubler, this was their first time playing together.
“You’re in for an experience,” kubler said, as reported by AAP.
“The energy everyone brought out tonight was crazy and I don’t know if we’ll feel like that for the rest of the tournament.
“I’m super pumped. This is the first match I’ve played with Marc and I thought we played very well tonight.”
ATP Doubles Scores & Upcoming Match
The victory advances Kubler and Polmans to a second-round encounter against Jakub paul and Marcus Willis. As of January 22, 2026, no official schedule for the match has been released by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), but it is expected to occur within the tournament’s schedule.
The ATP website provides updated scores and schedules for professional tennis tournaments worldwide.
Australian Open (Context)
while the original source doesn’t specify the tournament, the players involved – Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans – are Australian and frequently compete in the Australian Open. It is highly probable this match occurred during the Australian open or a related qualifying event.
the 2024 Australian Open took place from January 14-28, 2024, in melbourne, Australia.Details regarding the 2025 and 2026 tournaments is still developing.
Example: In the 2024 Australian Open, Jason Kubler competed in both singles and doubles events. Jason Kubler – Australian Open Official Profile
AAP
