Dream doubles return ends as Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios succumb to injury
The dream of the Special Ks is over after the doubles duo of Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios were forced to medically retire in their round one battle.
Up against fellow Aussies James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic, the fan-favourites both came into the match under injury clouds.
Kokkinakis had battled hard during a five-set singles thriller against Jack Draper the night before, and received treatment for his shoulder throughout the match.
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After Kyrgios' opening round loss in the singles, he had admitted his mind was on his body and fitness after not playing in a grand slam for two years.
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis leave the court. Getty
The match finished with Duckworth and Vukic leading 7-5, 3-2.
"Kokkinakis was probably the one having the injury concerns, I feel like Kyrgios probably could've kept going on," John Millman said on Nine.
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The second round of the doubles will once again be a battle of the Aussies.
Duckworth and Vukic will play Luke Saville and Li Tu.
That match will be played on Saturday with Vukic still alive in the singles. He'll play Jack Draper on Friday night, with the Brit beating Kokkinakis in round two.
