Thanasi Kokkinakis booked his spot in the second round of the Australian Open, but he was brought crashing down to earth early into his press conference.
Kokkinakis set up a blockbuster clash with Andy Murray after defeating former world No.9 Fabio Fognini in straight sets, getting into the second round of his home slam.
Ready to receive questions after the win, Kokkinakis was left stunned when a journalist mistakenly called him “Nick” before correcting himself.
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“Wow. That is firing, that’s you done,” Kokkinakis said.
“Off you get. I’m gonna can that. That’s s***house from you.”
When the next journalist referred to him as Thanasi, the 26-year-old chimed in with, “you’ve already done better”.
On social media, ‘Nick’ himself, Nick Kyrgios, saw the humour, labelling the pair “Kyriakis”.
Kokkinakis and Kyrgios’ friendship became tennis folklore in 2022, with the ‘Special Ks’ making a fairytale run to the Australian Open doubles title.
The pair were unable to defend their title in 2023, with Kyrgios having to withdraw from the tournament with a meniscus injury.
