Only a few decades ago it was normal for ATP players to compete in both singles and doubles, but what used normal back then isn't reality now.
John McEnroe reached world no. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings in both singles and doubles and he was one of the last players that managed to consistently win Grand Slam titles in singles and doubles. Now, Nick Kyrgios is trying to follow in the footsteps of the American is he's having a very successful season.
The Australian started this year by winning the 2022 Australian Open alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis and lifted two more title in the United States. Now, Kyrgios is playing at the 2022 Japan Open, where he will be playing in the semifinals in doubles.
When speaking about playing doubles in Tokyo, the Australian explained why reasons why he likes to share the court with his very good friend.
“Tennis is stressful as hell in singles, you try to hold yourself in such high accountability every single time and you could be out here for three hours and it’s exhausting and so serious, playing doubles with Thanasi brings that fun element back,” Kyrgios said. “But at the same time it’s my job, I need to make money and that’s how I do it so I play both events.”