An unlikely semi-final berth, an uncontrollable crowd, and an unhinged post-match interview - all in one doubles match.
Chaos erupted at Kia Arena on Tuesday afternoon during Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis' quarter-final appearance, with the behaviour of fans resulting in an explosive affair.
The Australian duo won the clash in three sets against Tim Pütz and Michael Venus.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis broke their opponent's serve after their sixth attempt, as they secured the first set 7-5, but Pütz and Venus fought back and claimed the second set 6-3.
Nothing was going to get in the way of the Australians though, winning the final set 6-3 with Kyrgios serving out the final game.
It was the events at the end of the second set, however, that truly set the match alight.
Kyrgios in particular was frustrated by Venus' ball-tossing prior to serving, arguing to the umpire that it was excessive.
Nick Kyrgios is NOT happy 🤬 as Puetz and Venus hold on to take it to a decider!
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 25, 2022
Anything could happen from here 👀#AusOpen - Live on Channel 9 and 9Now pic.twitter.com/7HzIwccLgb
The tension between the players was only exacerbated by the behaviour of the crowd, as they began to repeatedly boo/siuuu whilst the New Zealander served.
Venus exchanged some fiery words with Kyrgios, before targeting the crowd as well.
His intense celebrations after winning key games also made his frustration with the home fans clear.
The umpire was forced to step in multiple times during the closing stages of the second set, as fans continued to jeer the German/Kiwi duo.
Atmosphere levels: OFF THE CHARTS 📈@NickKyrgios · @TKokkinakis · #AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/9Bq3ZHyHU1
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2022
After the match, the Australian pair delivered a memorable on-court interview, with Kyrgios setting some clear intentions.
"Unreal scenes. You know, when we were young, playing under 12s, we grew up at Melbourne Park, and to say that we did it together, semi finals, I’m not finished I want to win this f**kin' thing to be honest," Kyrgios said.
His partner Kokkinakis also encouraged fans to keep up the raucous atmosphere for their next match.
"I haven't played in a doubles match - even a singles match - with atmosphere like this," Kokkinakis said.
"Hopefully Craig [Tiley] is watching and keeps us on this court - the rowdier the better from everyone honestly.
"Sink piss and come here!
"It wouldn't be a doubles match with us if there wasn't any controversy - everyone seems to have a problem.
"Keep ruffling some feathers guys - I don’t mind it if I'm honest!"
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis' next match will be in the semi-finals against third-seed pairing Spain's Marcel Granollers and Argentina's Horacio Zeballos on Thursday, January 27.
