Nick Kyrgios: How doubles partnership with Thanasi Kokkinakis is unlocking potential with Miami Open run

Could playing more doubles be the key to unlocking Nick Kyrgios’ true potential? For most of his career there have been questions whether Kyrgios, with great tennis skills clearly at his disposal, should be winning more and should be playing better. Some may have counted Kyrgios out due to his lack of playing activity over the last few years and apparent continuing ambivalence towards the sport. Ad/> But 2022 has been a good year so far for the 26-year-old.

ATP MiamiSinner survives five match points before beating Carreno Busta5 HOURS AGO At the Australian Open he beat Liam Broady in a raucous first-round match before pushing world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev in a closely-fought four-setter. Those matches showed a hint of Kyrgios new-found focus, but it was in the men’s doubles where he burst to life.

Kyrgios and long-time friend Thanasi Kokkinakis created, and then basked in, a fervent atmosphere as they made a shock run to the doubles title, beating top seeds Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic, as well as third seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos. A first Grand Slam title seems to have not only inspired Kyrgios, who has since made the quarter-finals of Indian Wells and last 16 of the Miami Open this week, but has also improved his tennis. “I don't give enough credit to doubles,” Kyrgios said after easing past Fabio Fognini for his third successive straight-sets win in Miami.

Wilander: Djokovic suddenly favourite for French Open Kyrgios jumps to defence of Raducanu Sinner saves five match points to beat Carreno Busta “That's helped me a lot, and Thanasi as well. We're both returning a lot better on the singles court. «The way I'm serving, the way I'm returning and working the points and competing, it's quite a sight to