‘Mixture of emotions’ for Nick Kyrgios in ‘uncomfortable’ meeting with Thanasi Kokkinakis

Nick Kyrgios did not enjoy taking on his good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round of the US Open and was happy to get the contest finished quickly.

The Wimbledon finalist faced his Australian Open doubles championship partner in the second night session match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, with Kyrgios coming through 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).

The match was devoid of any drama as Kyrgios was just focused on advancing to the next round.

“Probably one of the most uncomfortable matches I’ve played in my career,” Kyrgios explained to begin his post-match press conference. “I feel like we both had a game plan. We know our games so well. From the get-go, I was trying to block out his body and just play the tennis ball. I was really trying not to look at him at all. I felt like that kind of helped me.”

With the draw out last Thursday, Kyrgios had four days to process playing someone so close to him, with many thoughts running through his head.

“When I saw his name, a mixture of emotions,” Kyrgios continued. “Look, it is what it is. I felt I dealt with it pretty professionally.

“It was never easy. Obviously ‘Game Kokkinakis’, it’s like a reminder of who you’re playing every time he wins a game. So it’s not easy.

“It’s just really hard. I was telling some people I feel like he had a really good opportunity, the way his body is, the way he’s holding up physically, his belief to play match after match. I thought he had an opportunity to go far in the draw. When I saw our names, it’s unfortunate.”

Kyrgios faces Benjamin Bonzi next for a chance to reach the third round of the US Open for the first time since 2019.

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