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Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kakkinakis qualify for ATP Doubles Final in Turin, Italy

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Thanasi Kokkinakis (left) and Nick Kyrgios are set to compete in the doubles at the ATP Finals thanks to their heroics at the Australian Open. Photo: Getty Images

Australian Open champions Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are guaranteed a doubles berth at the eight-team ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.

The high pairing, known as the “Special Ks,” is ranked seventh in the ATP doubles race and is tied for the Grand Slam champion’s stipulation.

The rule ensures a doubles combination that jointly won a Grand Slam title that year and is ranked between eighth and 20th in the doubles team rankings after the Paris Masters qualify for Turin in eighth place.

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Kyrios and Kokkinakis are currently seventh but are not playing in Paris, meaning they will almost certainly drop down the rankings – but not outside the top 20.

Fellow Australians Matt Ebden and Max Purcell, who lost the Australian Open final to Kyrgios and Kokkinakis but went on to win the Wimbledon title, were also eligible for the stipulation but cannot catch up to their compatriots in the rankings.

Australian Open champions Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, pictured after defeating Matt Ebden and Max Purcell in the final, have qualified for the ATP Finals.  Photo: Mark Stewart
Australian Open champions Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, pictured after defeating Matt Ebden and Max Purcell in the final, have qualified for the ATP Finals. Photo: Mark Stewart

Ebden partners Jamie Murray in Paris, while Purcell looks to improve his singles ranking at the Challenger tournaments in Australia.

The Kyrgios-Kokinakis union proved wildly popular at Melbourne Park in January during their barnstorming and unlikely title triumph.

Their matches filled the stands, despite the fact that doubles are usually played in front of small crowds,

That was thanks to the Special Ks’ entertaining style of play, although it also caused some anxiety among some of their opponents, including then world No. 1s Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic.

Kyrios and Kokkinakis have played seven tournaments together this season, going an impressive 18-5.

They also won the title in Atlanta and reached the semifinals in Miami and Tokyo.

The final ATP tournament will be held from November 13 to 20.

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https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/tennis-australian-open-champions-nick-kyrgios-and-thanasi-kokkinakis-qualify-in-doubles-for-atp-finals-in-turin/news-story/266e13450f144a15ebeab0997109d758

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