Why does Nick Kyrgios play at John Cain Arena during the Australian Open?

Nick Kyrgios + Australian Open = a wild atmosphere.

And a key component of that equation is John Cain Arena.

Also known as Melbourne Arena, Kyrgios is known for playing the majority of his Australian Open matches there.

The Sporting News takes a look at why that’s the case.

MORE: When is Netflix’s new tennis documentary series being released?

Why does Nick Kyrgios like to play at John Cain Arena?

Kyrgios is renowned for thriving off – and creating – a rowdy crowd atmosphere.

John Cain Arena is perfect for this, with any ground pass ticket holder allowed inside the venue.

The 27-year-old’s matches have proven to be so popular at the venue that fans often queue with the hope they can score a seat in the packed arena.

Just under 10,000 spectators can fit into John Cain Arena during the Australian Open.

Kyrgios’ friend and Paralympic tennis champion Dylan Alcott revealed last year that the Canberran specifically requests to play at the arena.

“He requested it (John Cain Arena) over Rod Laver Arena. It’s going to be jumping in there,” Alcott told Channel Nine last year prior to Kyrgios’ first round Australian Open match.

“It’s great that the Australian Open’s looking after him and putting him on the court that he wants to play on.

“Melbourne Arena is a public court, anybody can get in. I think the line’s going to be massive and he feeds off that crowd.”

However, Kyrgios’ requests are not always granted.

Last year he was forced to play at Rod Laver Arena (centre court) when he faced Daniil Medvedev in the second round.

John Cain Arena history and past names

John Cain Arena – which opened in 2000 – was referred to as the Melbourne Multi-Purpose Venue as its project title.

Its main purpose was to supplement Rod Laver Arena as the second premier tennis stadium at the sporting complex but it has also been used for concerts, basketball, netball, ice hockey, cycling and other events.

It was first named Vodafone Arena upon construction in 2000 before it was re-named Hisense Arena in 2008.

It remained connected to the electronics brand before Tennis Australia decided to buy the naming rights in 2018, calling it Melbourne Arena.

The venue was then named after John Cain on February 3, 2020 when the Victorian Government and Tennis Australia joined forces to honour the former State Premier.

Will Nick Kyrgios play at the Australian Open in 2023?

As it stands, Nick Kyrgios is set to take part in the upcoming Australian Open.

The Canberran cited an ankle injury after withdrawing from the United Cup late last month and most recently pulling out of the Adelaide International 2.

However, he has shared his intention to prioritise his recovery ahead of the Australian Open, which is scheduled for mid-January.

Daniel Horsfall – Kyrgios’ manager – has also told The Age that the world No. 22 is “no doubt at all” for the tournament.

During his successful 2022 campaign, Kyrgios battled a number of injuries throughout the season.

Notably, he pulled out of the Japanese Open in October with a knee injury and remained sidelined as a singles player for nearly two months.

Are Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis playing doubles at the Australian Open in 2023?

Assuming that Kyrgios is fit in time, the ‘Special Ks’ are set to defend their crown at Melbourne Park.

Prior to the Adelaide International 1, Kokkinakis confirmed that the pair would link up again in the men’s doubles.

“We’ll be playing at Aussie (Australian Open),” Kokkinakis told reporters.

“Doubles is a lot less taxing on the body and mentally it’s a bit easier as well.

“Obviously singles is our priority but I think it would be rude not to go out there and have fun with it.”

MORE: How to buy tickets for the Australian Open

The pair will be aiming to defend their 2022 title, which saw them become the first wildcard duo in the open era to lift the trophy.

Following their unlikely run, the ‘Special Ks’ continued to play doubles throughout the year.

They picked up a total of 19 wins from the eight tournaments they participated in during 2022, which saw them compete in their first-ever ATP Finals to wrap up the season.

The Australian duo bowed out of the tournament in Turin in the group stages but still put on a signature show for fans, notching a stunning upset in their second match.