Nick Kyrgios’ return to the Australian Open is over after he and partner Thanasi Kokkinakis stopped playing while trailing in the second set of their first-round doubles match.

Australian doubles pair James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic have eased into the second round of the men's doubles after opponents Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis retired during the second set of their match on John Cain Arena.

After a brutal five-set defeat on Wednesday evening, Thanasi Kokkinakis admitted it was "unlikely" he would back up to play doubles with good friend Nick Kyrgios. But against the odds, the 'Special Ks' walked out on John Cain Arena on Thursday night for their first-round match.

Nick Kyrgios raged at an Australian Open umpire after his doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis was given a code violation for hitting the ball out of play. Kokkinakis was punished in the first set against Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth for launching the ball into the stands in frustration.

World No 1 Jannik Sinner makes it 16 wins in a row, while Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis pull out of their doubles match in second set through injury to the latter; watch action from ATP and WTA

Nick Kyrgios is facing an anxious wait to discover if he will be able to play in what could be his final Australian Open match.

Nick Kyrgios' Australian Open farewell could be at risk after his doubles partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, raised concerns about his fitness to compete in their opening match in Melbourne.

Nick Kyrgios stated he might have played his last singles match at the Australian Open following his shocking first-round exit at the AO 2025 to Jacob Fearnley.