Player Features
Former Champ Kokkinakis Returns to Adelaide: Unforgettable Memories
Adelaide native faces Lajovic in first round at ATP 250
January 07, 2024
TENNIS AUSTRALIA
Thanasi Kokkinakis won his first tour-level title in Adelaide in 2022.
By Sam Jacot
‘Game, set, match, Kokkinakis’.
The words that brought tears to Thanasi Kokkinakis’ eyes as he triumphed at his hometown event in Adelaide in 2022. Two years ago, the energetic Australian defeated Arthur Rinderknech in the championship match at the Adelaide International 2 to capture his first tour-level title.
This week, the 27-year-old is back competing at the ATP 250 event. Ahead of his opening match against Dusan Lajovic, Kokkinakis was asked about his run to the trophy, and he couldn’t help but smile.
“That was crazy,” Kokkinakis said. “It was the year after the COVID year. I was away for nine months straight the year before just playing in all sorts of places. Didn’t know what to expect.
“Then coming and making the semis in the first tournament of the year and then I was fortunate enough to have back-to-back Adelaide events and I was talking about not playing the second one because I was cooked after the first week. I hadn’t had that many matches at that level for a long time and my coaching team was just like, ‘Just play the first match and see how you feel’.
“I ended up getting through it and having my best ever week on Tour. Big thanks to them for telling me to play. But it was a crazy experience.”
Due to COVID-19, Adelaide hosted two ATP Tour events in 2022 in consecutive weeks in January. Kokkinakis reached the semi-finals at Adelaide 1 in the first week, losing to eventual champion Gael Monfils in the semi-finals. He responded to that defeat in style, battling to three-set victories in four of his five matches to win the title at Adelaide 2.
The World No. 65 saved two match points in his semi-final win against Marin Cilic, advancing in a dramatic third-set tie-break.
“I remember the semi-final against Cilic I was up 6/2 in the tie-break. Then he won maybe five points straight and he got up match point. I was like, ‘Oh no, this could be one of the biggest chokes of all time’. But luckily I pulled it together and it was probably the most emotional I’ve been on court. I’ll never forget that memory.”
Kokkinakis missed the Davis Cup Finals in November with an ankle injury he suffered at an ATP Challenger Tour event in Sydney. He began his 2024 season at the ATP 250 in Brisbane, where he suffered a first-round defeat against countryman Rinky Hijikata.
The 27-year-old aims to continue to build up his fitness in Adelaide, looking to find rhythm ahead of the Australian Open.
“I was a little bit underdone, sort of got injured a little bit end of last year before Davis Cup, so I wasn’t able to play there. I’m looking at this to try and kind of kick start my year and this week feels like my starting point where I’m going to feel physically and mentally ready to go,” said Kokkinakis, who holds a 12-3 record at ATP Tour events in Adelaide. “I am going to give everything I have here and hopefully get a few matches and see how we do before the Aussie Open.
“I feel good. I had a few training days. I just want to play a few more matches kind of to see where I’m at. I had a very short pre-season, sort of rehabbing after Davis Cup and then trying to get ready for the first couple of tournaments of the year. I knew I wasn’t going to be at 100 percent the last couple of weeks, but now I think I’ve got no restrictions and I feel great.”
Author’s Quote: Fun and Excitement in Adelaide
“The return of Thanasi Kokkinakis to Adelaide brings back unforgettable memories of his triumph in 2022. It’s a joy to see him compete again and we can’t wait to witness the excitement he brings to the court.” – Sam Jacot
Author’s Conclusion: A Promising Season Ahead
As Thanasi Kokkinakis returns to Adelaide, he aims to kick start his year with a strong performance. With his sights set on breaking into the Top 50, Kokkinakis is determined to enjoy every week and play his best tennis. With the support of his countrymen and the current state of tennis in Australia, the future looks bright for Kokkinakis and his fellow Australian players.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
