Australian tennis legend Mark Woodforde has encouraged Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis to continue playing doubles following the pair’s success at the Australian Open.
The popular pair advanced to the Australian Open men’s doubles final on Thursday, setting up an all-Aussie affair against fellow countrymen Max Purcell and Matt Ebden on Saturday night.
Woodforde, a winner of 12 major men’s doubles titles alongside Todd Woodbridge, is keen to see Kyrgios and Kokkinakis evolve their doubles partnership while also continuing their singles careers.
“I’m wondering how their schedule is going to play out for the rest of the season,” he told SEN’s Australian Open coverage.
“They are very able and capable of going deep into the Grand Slams. I only hope that they do consider continuing on this partnership and try and create something.
“After our partnership, after I retired, I know Todd continued on playing, doubles just started to take this backward step where the doubles-only players evolved and became a part of the game. I don’t think it’s been a bonus, I don’t think it’s been a plus for our sport.
“I’m only encouraging Nick and Thanasi – keep playing doubles, as well as Matt and Max. I know Max’s career is at a young stage and Matt maybe is at the backend of his career. He has a family that he’s expecting, so I’m not sure how much longer he’ll keep playing.
“I just want to keep promoting for them, there is value in playing singles and doubles at this level.”
Saturday’s decider is the first all-Aussie men’s doubles final at the Australian Open in 42 years.
You can catch the men’s doubles final on Saturday live on the SEN app.