Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, a duo that has been dubbed the "Special Ks", took the Australian Open by storm in 2022 when they teamed up and claimed the doubles crown.

The doubles act brought their signature flair to the court, bringing audiences to their feet in a memorable display of sporting showmanship. 

But Rafter said the way the pair conduct themselves during the match has ruffled feathers among those on tour and left them on the outside within the locker room.

Rafter appeared on the Australian Open: The Happy Slam podcast and labelled the doubles act as a “circus”. 

“It’s an interesting one that is, because the players are really upset about it,” Rafter said.

“I don’t know how that operates with them and doesn’t really bother me either way. It’s a bit of a circus … doubles is a great event, it’s a lot of fun, and it helps you with singles, but it’s not where it’s at. But at the same time, it’s entertainment.”

“If they create drama, create ticket sales, and they create people watching, then good on them, but at what expense, I don’t know. The players are really upset. Are you supposed to understand the underwritten rule that that’s not how you behave when you do?” Rafter said.

Kyrgios hit back at Rafter on social media, slamming the Aussie sports legend for fabricating the outrage of players. 

“He would have absolutely zero idea on what the locker room thinks. Me and kokk have great relationships with most of the players on tour. Guy is clueless,” Kyrgios wrote on Twitter.

Image credits: Getty Images