If you think there's hype for Nick Kyrgios, ask tennis great John Newcombe about Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Newcombe last month awarded Kyrgios the medal named in his honour as Australia's most outstanding performer of 2014. But the seven-time grand slam champion and former world No.1 believes Kokkinakis is just as special.

Thanasi Kokkinakis has also won over Pat Rafter. Credit:Getty Images

While Kyrgios was grabbing global headlines with his giantkilling run to the Wimbledon quarter-finals, his good mate Kokkinakis was quietly making his own move up the rankings. After starting 2014 as the world No. 570, the 18-year-old ended the season ranked 150th.

Standing at a towering 196 centimetres, three centimetres taller than Kyrgios and 12 months younger, Kokkinakis claimed his maiden grand slam win at the Australian Open in January, made Rafael Nadal sweat in the second round and also earned rave reviews from his exhibition doubles partner John McEnroe.