MELBOURNE, Australia -- Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis' dream Australian Open doubles run will continue into the semifinals, after the popular local pair upset yet another seeded duo at Melbourne Park.
The Australians, who were given a wildcard into the draw, overcame sixth-ranked Tim Puetz and Michael Venus 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 on Kia Arena to book their place in the last four - their best result together at a major.
"I'm not finished, I want to win this f---ing thing," Kyrgios said on court after the match. "We know what we do well and it's world class. That's what we'll do again. I just want to play and give the people of Australia a show and genuinely grow the sport of tennis."
When asked about the wild support the pair have been enjoying, Kokkinakis added: "The rowdier the better. Sink p--- and come here."
As has become a theme with Kyrgios and Kokkinakis' doubles matches, the contest had its fair share of controversy. In the first set, Kyrgios managed to ruin and make a young fan's day all in the space of 30 seconds.
The 26-year-old slapped one of Kokkinakis' faulted balls into the ground, but it bounced up and flew into the crowd, catching a young boy in the face.
Kyrgios grimaced and covered his mouth in shock at what happened. He then ran over to his bag, took out a new racket and rushed over to hand it to the young fan, as the crowd cheered in delight.
This is 9-year-old Fin Crane! Thankfully, he's all ok after getting accidentally cleaned up after errant ball flew into the crowd at the Kyrgios/Kokkinakis match - @NickKyrgios made sure he goes home with a nice souvenir! What a little legend #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/VntUaJa0T7
— Clint Stanaway (@cstanaway) January 25, 2022
Both Kyrgios and Kokkinakis were knocked out of the singles draw in the early rounds but have made an impressive run in doubles.
The duo caused a stir on Day 5 when they sent top seeded pair Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic packing after a fiesty encounter which almost led to a fight breaking out in the locker room.
They then accounted for 15th seeds Ariel Behar and Gonzalo Escobar before getting the better of Puetz and Venus. They will face No. 3 seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos for a place in the final of their home Slam.
"Everyone who we have played since we started are really good opponents," Kokkinakis said. "The guys are experienced veterans but we're going to keep playing how we play, have fun and enjoy the crowd."