Photograph: Getty Images
The dream continues for Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis after they successfully navigated their way into the Australian Open doubles final.
The duo was made to work hard by experienced duo Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos but were good enough to escape with a 7-6(4), 6-4 win in an hour and 47 minutes.
The Aussie pair have been enjoying the ride and although unexpected, are excited to play in the final of a major.
“Yeah, pretty surreal to be honest. I don't think it's what we expected definitely when we entered the draw,” Kokkinakis said in their press conference.
“We always kind of play to enjoy ourselves. That's the thing first and foremost. Then every win we have is a bonus.
“We're in a final. Didn't really expect it. To do it with a good mate like Nick, yeah, wouldn't want anything else.”
“I'm excited. I'm just looking forward to going out there again and having a chance to play in front of that crowd. Win or lose it's going to be a fun experience,” Kyrgios said.
“This whole week has been insane. I feel like every time I go to the court it's like my last day. We're playing all these advanced doubles pairs. I'm not expecting to win.
“Then we keep pulling a rabbit out of the hat. I'm going to just keep going with the flow, I guess.”
The Aussies have made the brand new Kia Arena their own over the past week but they were forced onto Rod Laver Arena for the semi - not that it mattered.
Australian Open organisers offered ground pass ticket holders the ability to enter the famous stadium - a nice touch on their part.
The arena was as full as it had been the entire tournament, with eager fans keen to get a glimpse of the show that has captivated audiences around Melbourne and the world.
The showmen were greeted with a pair of opponents that weren’t flustered by the raucous crowd which created a different challenge to their previous opponents. The match was heavily contested and looked as though it could’ve gone either way, with Zeballos’ and Granollers’ play at the net keeping them on pace.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis didn’t look quite at their best but were still able to get the job done - the sign of a champion team.
The Aussies still managed to hit 45 winners with 13 aces between them as well as limiting their unforced errors to just 13 for the match.
Their win has set up a monumental all-Australian clash with Max Purcell and Matt Ebden for the Australian Open crown.
“Yeah, they obviously play a lot more doubles than we do. They almost I think play every week doubles,” Kokkinakis said.
“I think I played maybe two doubles events last year or three doubles events max. We definitely focus more on our singles, but I think we know what we're capable of when we play together, playing with good energy.
“Again, it's going to be a really tough match. I don't know if we're favourites or not. I wouldn't say so.
“They're real polished at net, really great doubles players. It's obviously going to be tough. I think if we play how we've been playing, play with that energy, hopefully, feed off the crowd again, play relaxed and free, we can do well.”
The most anticipated Australian Open men’s doubles final in recent memory is due to take place on Saturday at Rod Laver Arena.
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