(Reuters)The ‘Special Ks’ show at the Australian Open ended on a high after Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis claimed their first major title by beating compatriots Max Purcell and Matt Ebden in the men’s doubles final on Saturday.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, nicknamed ‘Special Ks’ as juniors, entertained the crowd at Rod Laver Arena with a 7-5, 6-4 win under the floodlights.
They are the first wildcard team to win the Australian Open doubles title in the pro era.
“What a week! It was a super tough match, but overall a great week,” said Kokkinakis, who won his first ATP title in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open.
“Nick, I love you brother. Man I can honestly say we didn’t expect to get anywhere close to this, but with the help of you guys (the crowd) it’s been amazing all week. We couldn’t ask for the coverage we got and the support we got.”
A backhand from Kokkinakis sealed the first break of the game in game 11 and the duo closed the opening set of their service as fans mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu!” Goal celebrations to cheer on the duo.
READ: Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis take the Australian Open by storm
The duo went 4-3 in the second set after breaking serve before being denied a match point by their opponents at 5-4.
The pair finally closed the match on serve, with Kyrgios firing two aces as they won the contest in 95 minutes, and completed their fairytale run at Melbourne Park, where they stunned top seed Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic of Croatia in the second round.
“This week is a dream come true for me. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else,” said Kyrgios. “I’m just super happy. I don’t even know how we’re doing or what’s going on right now to be brutally honest.”
The pair, who delighted fans throughout the tournament with their entertaining game, are the first all-Australia men’s doubles champions at the season-opening Slam since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde triumphed in 1997.
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