Australian Open news: Nick Kyrgios is a Grand Slam champion after winning men’s doubles in Melbourne

Australian Open
Australian Open men's doubles champions Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios won his first Grand Slam title with close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis in the men’s doubles at the Australian Open.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis have enjoyed a brilliant run at Melbourne Park, carried to the final by a wave of raucous support, and it culminated in a 7-5, 6-4 victory over fellow Australians Matt Ebden and Max Purcell in front of a packed crowd on Rod Laver Arena.

The pair celebrated with a chest bump as they became the first all-Australian pair to win the title since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde in 1997.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis came through the junior ranks together and won the Wimbledon boys’ title together nine years ago.

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

Kyrgios added: “This week has been a dream come true and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. I’m just super happy. I don’t know how we’re doing this or what’s going on.”

It was a day of double glory for Australia after Ashleigh Barty became the first Australian woman in 44 years to win the Australian Open title by defeating Danielle Collins from the United States in straight sets.

 

Matthew Ebden Max Purcell Nick Kyrgios Thanasi Kokkinakis

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