Star’s Adelaide Win Fuels Australian Open Uncertainty
- Thanasi Kokkinakis defeated Jiří Lehečka in the Adelaide International final on Sunday, continuing a remarkable comeback after undergoing foot surgery just weeks ago.
- Kokkinakis plans to rest on Tuesday, consulting with medical professionals and using pain medication in an attempt to recover for a potential match on Wednesday.
- Nick Kyrgios, Kokkinakis' doubles partner, praised his friend's win as "incredible and inspirational."
kokkinakis claims Adelaide title Despite Recent Surgery
Thanasi Kokkinakis defeated Jiří Lehečka in the Adelaide International final on Sunday, continuing a remarkable comeback after undergoing foot surgery just weeks ago. The victory marks his second title in Adelaide, following a win in 2020.
Kokkinakis plans to rest on Tuesday, consulting with medical professionals and using pain medication in an attempt to recover for a potential match on Wednesday. He acknowledged that recurring injuries have been a challenge throughout his career.
“I’ll be put on ice tomorrow… [but] hopefully I can come again on this court and give it a crack,” he said.
Nick Kyrgios, Kokkinakis’ doubles partner, praised his friend’s win as “incredible and inspirational.”
“No one’s ever had that surgery and come back and won a match at that level, or let alone even tried to play,” Kyrgios said. “I messaged him today, and I’m a bit dumbfounded by the fact that he’s able to still do that. He’s probably one of the most resilient people I know. he keeps getting knocked down and keeps standing back up, and I drew inspiration from that, honestly. I’m excited for us to play doubles, but he’s an absolute warrior.”
