Nick Kyrgios was a match away from reaching the quarters for both men’s US Open events in New York this year, but his doubles run with Thanasi Kokkinakis was cut short.
The Special Ks had their chance in the third round but suffered a 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (10-8) loss to British Lloyd Glasspool and Finish Harri Heliovaara.
Following a cruisy start claiming the first set, the Greek Australian duo lost two match points in the second set and the third set tiebreak.
It was less than 24 hours since Kyrgios’ epic win over world no.1 Daniil Medvedev, his ticket to the US Open singles quarterfinal against Russian Karen Khachanov.
Aussie tennis heavyweight Todd Woodbridge called Kyrgios’ victory “momentous” and “a performance for the ages.”
“I rate that as the best match I’ve seen Nick Kyrgios play in a grand slam tournament,” he told Channel 9.
Kokkinakis and Kyrgios stunned the tennis world early this year by winning the Australian Open men’s doubles.
And until their clash with Glasspool and Heliovaara they had been on a nine-match grand slam winning streak.
Meanwhile, before the duo’s exit, Thanasi Kokkinakis ensured he left an impression on fans not just with his performance but also his physique.
For a moment during Kyrgios’ clash with Medvedev, the camera’s spotlight turned on Kyrgios’ box and zoomed in on Kokkinakis.
Soon after, commentary on the Greek Australian’s charm started being reproduced on socials, while Kyrgios declared after winning Medvedev “I’ve got doubles tomorrow with the beautiful Thanasi Kokkinakis.”
