'He loves to live in the chaos': Thanasi Kokkinakis claims Nick Kyrgios turns games into a 'circus'

As Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis battle it out in the first round of the US Open the Wimbledon finalist’s opponent will be wary of the game turning into a ‘circus’.

Thanasi Kokkinakis has spoken candidly about Nick Kyrgios and the ‘chaos’ that surrounds him, admitting he isn’t sure what to expect from his compatriot.

The ‘Special Ks’ have been entertaining tennis fans in recent times, including on their run to winning the doubles Australian Open earlier this year. 

Zuma Press / Alamy

The good friends were training together when the news came in that they would be facing off as first-round opponents.

The pair have never faced each other until now in professional competition. 

Despite being close both on and off the court, Kokkinakis knows what he’s in for when he faces the antics of Nick Kyrgios.

He told AAP, via Yahoo: “He loves to kind of live in the chaos a bit when it comes to matches. He turns it into a bit of a circus around him and he's just so comfortable with that.

"He's done it from such a young age. Even 12 and under, 13 and under nationals - I've known him for a while.

"But he's got the game, obviously, to back it up. It's not just that, so it will be awkward."

Roger Parker / Alamy

Kyrgios has previously admitted that going up against Kokkinakis would be one of the few times he wouldn’t want to ‘cross the line’ with his antics so as to not jeopardise their friendship.

However, Kokkinakis believes the ‘chaos’ is what makes his opponent tick on the court.

He added: “I've seen him do it with a lot of close players he's played on tour. That's just him. It's what makes him tick and what brings the best out of him with his tennis.”

The winner of today’s (August 30) matchup will go on to fash either Ugo Humbert or Benjamin Bonzi in the second round, setting up an Australian against French matchup.

Once the dust is settled on the all-Australian first round the pair will team up yet again for doubles action at the US Open.

So they’ll most definitely be hoping to keep things respectful and avoid any awkwardness.

They’ll be chasing their third title in a remarkable year for the duo after capturing both the Australian Open and Atlanta Open in 2022.