Australian Open star Thanasi Kokkinakis was left unimpressed in a press conference on Wednesday, after a reporter mistook him for Nick Kyrgios. The duo share a close bond, having won the men's doubles title in 2022.
Their return to Melbourne has been a frustrating one, with the pair unable to defend their doubles title due to an injury to Kyrgios. Despite this Kokkinakis tournament continues, as he competes in the singles side of the draw.
And it got off to the perfect start for the Australian on home soil, as he defeated Fabio Fognini with ease, seeing off his Italian rival in straight sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
Kokkinakis has now set up an eagerly-anticipated tie against Andy Murray on Thursday. Ahead of his clash though the Australian did not seem pleased with being mistaken with his doubles partner, who hit back at the reporter in question.
Responding to the case of mistaken identity, the Aussie - who was laughing - replied: "Wow, wow! That is a firing, that is you done. Off you go, I'm going to can that!" Both Kokkinakis and Kyrgios have Greek connections as well as their Aussie roots, and this was seemingly the angle of the reporter's mishap.
Still not impressed, the doubles champion was asked if he had a message to his fans back in Greece, to which he quickly replied: "Ask Nick!" Taking to Twitter afterwards, Kokkinakis posted: "“taking the absolute p***," alongside a laughing emoji.
Ahead of his match with Murray, the Australian was complimentary of his second rival, revealing they share a strong relationship. He commented: "He was someone when I came on to tour that was always willing to give some advice.
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"We get along really well. I remember watching him when I was younger thinking this dude looks moody as hell, he looks miserable. Then when you got to know him, he is actually a ripper bloke and a good guy. It's going to be a tough match, obviously.
"I watched a fair bit of his match against [Matteo] Berrettini and he played great. He is looking in good shape. I practised with him a fair bit recently... I'm going to be ready for the best version of Murray.”
