Former champ Kokkinakis returns to Adelaide: 'I'll never forget that memory'

TENNIS AUSTRALIA

'Game, set, match, Kokkinakis’.

The words that sent Thanasi Kokkinakis into tears and onto his haunches 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, prompting a 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.”

Kokkinakis is one of eight Australian men’s players in the Top 71. His countrymen have enjoyed success this week, with Alex de Minaur defeating World No. 1 Novak Djokovic to help guide Australia into the United Cup semi-finals. Jordan Thompson then overcame the returning Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals in Brisbane on Friday night.

Australia also advanced to the title match at the Davis Cup Finals in November. Kokkinakis is pleased with the current state of tennis in the country.

“I think we're all pushing each other, obviously led by Demon, having a great Davis Cup and Lleyton [Hewitt], who installs that work ethic. It's just good,” said Kokkinakis, who won the Australian Open men’s doubles title with Nick Kyrgios in 2022. “Hopefully we can keep pushing each other. Hopefully we can get some more younger guys coming up as well. I think maybe the guys back in the day had probably better individual success, but as far as depth goes, it's great at the moment.”

Feeding off his countrymen, Kokkinakis has clear goals for the new season, which he hopes to kick start in Adelaide. Currently at a career-high No. 65, breaking the Top 50 is an aim.

“My goal first and foremost is to try and enjoy the sport every week,” Kokkiankis said. “That's something I honestly struggle with as the year goes. It's a very long year, a lot of travel and I enjoy my time at home. This is definitely one of the more enjoyable weeks for me. But ranking-wise, that's probably the goal [Top 50]. I think the more focused and the more I enjoy every week and take it for what it is, I think that'll allow me to play my best tennis and keep my head there mentally.”