Bumper crowds are expected to flock to Melbourne Park this weekend as ideal weather conditions greet some marquee matches.

A seething Thanasi Kokkinakis has described his ongoing pectoral muscle issues as “physical and mental torture” after losing a five-set epic at the Australian Open.

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis took the Australian Open by storm in 2022.Creating unprecedented interest in the men doubles event, 'Special K' stormed to an unlikely grand slam triumph at Melbourne Park.With all matches but the final on Kia Arena, Kyrgios and Kokkinakis played in front of packed crowds with a vibrant atmosphere at every one of their games.The Sporting News reveals whether Kyrgios and Kokkinakis will play doubles together at Australian Open 2025.KYRGIOS NEWS:Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic set for stunning doubles union at the Brisbane InternationalNick Kyrgios sets retirement date as doubts surface over his Australian Open levelNick Kyrgios wants to rename John Cain Arena ahead of Australian OpenWill Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis play doubles at Australian Open 2025?Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are planning to play doubles together at Australian Open 2025.Their first round men's doubles match against Aleksandar Vukic/James Duckworth will be on Thursday, January 16 and be the second match in the night session on John Cain Arena.It will follow the men's singles match between Matteo Berrettini and Casper Ruud, which is scheduled for a 5:00pm (AEDT) start.Just prior to the Australian Open singles starting, Kokkinakis revealed a pact between he and Kyrgios to win a second title together at Melbourne Park."I think both of us made a pact on that, unless we are seriously hurt, we're going to try to come out there - even if we're not feeling great," Kokkinakis said."That's one thing, we can rely on each other and play."We don't know what we're going to produce out there, but for sure, we are going to take the court."Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis doubles careerAfter receiving a wildcard doubles entry into Australian Open 2022, Kyrgios and Kokkinakis first turned heads when they defeated No.1 seeds Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in the second round.Gradually word spread about the entertainment provided by the duo, as fans packed into KIA Arena to watch their antics.On their way to the final, Kyrgios and Kokkinakis dismissed the third, sixth and 15th seeds, before overcoming fellow Aussie pair Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell 7-5 6-4 in the championship decider.In triumphing, the pair became the first wildcard duo in the open era to lift the title.Following their unlikely run at Melbourne Park, the 'Special Ks' continued to play doubles throughout the year.The duo won the ATP Atlanta title and reached the semi-finals at the Miami Masters and Tokyo.They also competed at the US Open but bowed out in the third round.All up, Kyrgios and Kokkinakis picked up a total of 19 wins from the eight tournaments they participated in during 2022, which saw them compete in their first-ever ATP Finals to wrap up the season.The Australian duo bowed out of the tournament in Turin in the group stages but still put on a signature show for fans, notching a stunning upset in their second match.

Kokkinakis was forced to withdraw from the Adelaide International last week due to a shoulder injury, and his chances of a first-round win at the Australian Open looked dire. It led Aussie legend Woodbridge to question whether Kokkinakis should have been prioritising rest in the lead-up instead of playing exhibition events for the money.

Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis has stunned his opponent with an amazing act of sportsmanship at a critical moment of their second-round Australian Open clash. British No.15 seed Jack Draper was serving at two sets to one down, and trailing by a break in the fourth when he was about to be denied a certain point after a long rally.

Jack Draper conjured the spirit of Andy Murray to claw his way back from the brink of defeat against home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Australian Open. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

We’re almost a week into competition at Melbourne Park and the storylines are still rolling in from the first Grand Slam of the year.

Both Kyrgios (strained abdominal muscle) and Kokkinakis (right shoulder trouble) came into the match dealing with physical issues.

Australian doubles pair James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic have eased into the second round of the men's doubles after opponents Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis retired during the second set of their match on John Cain Arena.

It started with a Todd Woodbridge sledge towards Thanasi Kokkinakis and to no one’s surprise, Nick Kyrgios entered the room to support his mate.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner lost his first set since October but recovered to beat Tristan Schoolkate and reach the third round of the Australian Open. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.