Brisbane International Returns
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis Secure Doubles Victory
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, widely known as the "Special Ks," opened their doubles campaign at the Brisbane International on Sunday evening at Pat Rafter Arena. They triumphed over the accomplished duo of Matt Ebden and Rajeev Ram in a match tie-break (10-8), having lost the first set 7-5 and secured the second 6-4. Ebden and Ram are former world number one doubles players, boasting multiple Grand Slam titles and Olympic medals.
Thanasi Kokkinakis was competing for the first time since the 2025 Australian Open doubles, having undergone a pectoral muscle surgery involving the removal of damaged tissue and the use of a cadaver Achilles tendon for reattachment, a procedure described as unprecedented in tennis.
Kokkinakis reflected on his challenging year-long recovery following the surgery. He is slated to prepare for singles competition in Adelaide the subsequent week. During the doubles match, Kyrgios showcased a versatile range of play, including skilled maneuvers. He commented on his partnership with Kokkinakis, describing doubles as an opportunity to "put on a show." Kokkinakis acknowledged the dynamic nature of their partnership.
Kyrgios Faces Singles Defeat Amid Injury Concerns
Nick Kyrgios made his return to singles competition at the Brisbane International, his first singles appearance in 12 months. He was defeated 6-3, 6-4 by American Aleksandar Kovacevic in one hour and six minutes at a near-capacity Pat Rafter Arena. Kyrgios recorded 11 winners, while Kovacevic secured 28.
Kyrgios's movement on court appeared restricted, with his right leg in a compression bandage and his left ankle also supported. His right elbow was noted to be experiencing strain from serving after a nine-month hiatus from the tour. These physical limitations reportedly affected his ability to extend rallies and move across the court.
Following his defeat, Kyrgios commented on his physical condition and career trajectory, drawing comparisons between his setbacks and those faced by other top players. He reflected on a period in 2022 when he felt "unbeatable," noting a change in belief post-surgery. Kyrgios maintained serve speeds exceeding 190km/h during the match, expressing intentions to play more professional matches in 2026 and viewing his Brisbane appearance as a "stepping stone."
Match Incidents and Crowd Interaction
During the Kyrgios and Kokkinakis doubles match, chair umpire Marijana Veljovic issued multiple requests for crowd quiet during serves due to disturbance. Kyrgios received a code violation for an interaction with a crowd member and threw his racquet after hitting a ball long. Kyrgios also criticized a controversial decision during the match, referencing the prize money involved.
Australian Open Highlights
Notable Men's Singles Results
Lorenzo Musetti defeated fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in a two-hour second-round match on Margaret Court Arena. Stan Wawrinka, at 40 years old, became the oldest man since 1978 to reach the third round of a Grand Slam after winning a four-and-a-half-hour five-set match against Arthur Gea, who experienced cramps in the fifth set tie-break. Wawrinka later bid farewell to the Australian Open after his third-round loss, expressing gratitude for his wildcard invitation. Gael Monfils also played his final Australian Open, reflecting on his career since 2003.
Carlos Alcaraz progressed through the tournament, developing a new serve that resembles Novak Djokovic's technique, a similarity Djokovic acknowledged humorously. Alcaraz was scheduled to play Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals.
Learner Tien defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-0, 6-3, despite receiving medical attention for a nosebleed in the first set.
Tien was scheduled to face Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals. Alexander Zverev later expressed dissatisfaction with Carlos Alcaraz's use of a medical timeout during their semifinal match, to which Alcaraz attributed an adductor issue. Alexander Bublik commented on the playing conditions on Rod Laver Arena during his match against Alex de Minaur, describing the court speed as "slow." Alex de Minaur provided updates on his upcoming wedding to Katie Boulter, noting his involvement in some decisions while deferring to Boulter for details like decorations.
Notable Women's Singles Results
Eighteen-year-old American Iva Jovic reached the quarterfinals without dropping a set, becoming the first teenager to achieve this since Venus Williams in 1998. Jovic defeated Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1 in the fourth round on John Cain Arena and was scheduled to face world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals. Madison Keys, following her second-round victory, expressed appreciation for Melbourne's coffee culture.
Player Concerns and Statements
Coco Gauff criticized the lack of player privacy at the tournament after footage of her smashing a racquet was broadcast despite her attempts to do so away from cameras, stating the locker room is the only private space.
Iga Świątek supported Gauff's comments, questioning the extent of player observation, and Novak Djokovic also remarked on the camera coverage. Djokovic later commented on a late match finish after his semifinal win and asserted he does not feel like he is "chasing" other players, citing his Grand Slam dominance.
Naomi Osaka commented on her jellyfish-inspired outfit. Felix Auger-Aliassime expressed frustration with his injury record, and Taylah Preston predicted a future Australian winner at the Open.