"We've got a good shot at winning": Thansai Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios shaking up Aussie Open doubles 

No longer in singles competition, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have taken doubles seriously at the Australian Open, and they're making a serious run.

The two Australians are through to the quarterfinals, having knocked off top seeds Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic—not to mention Pavic's angry trainer in the locker room—along the way.

It's even got the famously casual Kyrgios concentrating more on his preparation and training.

"This is actually our best run in a Grand Slam ever. So I think we've come with age and matured a little bit, I know I have definitely. I'm going to do everything I can tonight, get a good rest, recover, train. Listen to me," he said, jokingly.

"I like it," said Kokkinakis.

"I definitely think we've got a good shot at winning this," added Kyrgios.

The pair next play Tim Puetz and Michael Venus, the No. 6 seeds, Tuesday. Their doubles contests have drawn big ratings in Australia, with more than half a million tuning in from Melbourne and Sydney, according to the Melbourne Age. That's comparable to some top singles sessions.

The stands have also been full and frequently vocal in Kia Arena, where Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are set to play for a third consecutive round. But they haven't had a problem keeping their attention on court.

"I definitely feel a different type of feel, honestly, I feel like favorites," said Kyrgios. "I feel like we're locked in. It's probably the best doubles we've played together."

Having a big crowd has helped following the reduced capacity in 2021, notes Kokkinakis.

"I think focus has been the biggest difference this year as opposed to other years," he said. "This year having that crowd support, it feels like a party atmosphere."

Both have been on and off the tour with injuries, affecting their singles play—Kokkinakis is No. 103 and Kyrgios is No. 115 in the rankings.