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.

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis retired from their opening men's doubles match at the Australian Open against James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic.

Doubles tennis rarely receives much attention in the first week of a grand slam, but that's not the case at this year's Australian Open. Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios are set to team up at the AO for the first time since taking out the men's doubles in 2022.

The Special K duo of Kyrgios and Kokkinakis retire in the second set against Vukic and Duckworth, while top Australian seed Alex de Minaur progresses to the third round of the men's singles at Melbourne Park.

The apologetic Aussie was plainly ‘shattered’ to tell his great mate Nick Kyrgios it was all over. Thanasi Kokkinakis’ dream of repeating his stunning Australian Open doubles success with Nick Kyrgios has been dashed by his debilitating pectoral muscle injury.