Day Five: Special Ks Lead Aussie Charge at Australian Open 2026

Published: January 22, 2026
By Greek City Times

Melbourne, Australia — Thursday, January 22, delivers a massive boost for home fans on Day 5 of the Australian Open 2026, headlined by the return of crowd favourites Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis — affectionately known as the "Special Ks" — in the men's doubles first round.

The Australian wildcard duo reunites to face fellow Aussies Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans on Kia Arena, scheduled not before 4:00 p.m. AEDT (local Melbourne time). With both pairs hailing from Australia, the match guarantees a home-crowd winner and is expected to draw huge queues for seats throughout the day, as fans flock to see the charismatic pair in action.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, the 2022 Australian Open doubles champions, bring their explosive energy and brotherly chemistry back to Melbourne Park after overcoming injury challenges that have limited their recent singles campaigns. This all-Aussie clash promises high entertainment value and an electric atmosphere.

Both players proudly embrace their Greek heritage, adding a special Hellenic connection to their presence at the tournament:

• Nick Kyrgios, born in Canberra to a Greek father (George Kyrgios, originally from the village of Georgani near Ioannina) and a Malaysian mother, has often spoken fondly of his roots. He has publicly celebrated his Greek background, including dressing in ancient Greek-inspired costumes and honouring his father's immigrant journey from Greece to Australia.
• Thanasi Kokkinakis, born in Adelaide to Greek immigrant parents — father Trevor (Tryfon) from Tripoli and mother Voula (Paraskevi) from Kalamata, both in the Peloponnese — holds Greek citizenship alongside his Australian one. He speaks Greek, frequently pays tribute to his heritage (such as wearing blue-and-white Spartan-inspired shorts at recent events), and remains deeply connected to Greek culture and to the community.

Elsewhere, it's a tougher day for other Aussies in the singles second round:

• James Duckworth (wildcard) takes on world No. 2 and defending champion Jannik Sinner on Rod Laver Arena (night session).
• Dane Sweeney meets big-serving American Ben Shelton on John Cain Arena.

These matches cap a nervous yet exciting day as second-round singles conclude, alongside other big names like Novak Djokovic (facing Francesco Maestrelli), Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and more advancing through the draw.

The Special Ks' long-awaited reunion — infused with pride in their Greek roots — injects extra excitement into Melbourne Park, reminding fans why these two remain such beloved figures in Australian and Hellenic tennis circles.

Novak Djokovic Sends Powerful Faith Message on Theophany as He Dominates at Australian Open