‘Couldn’t Have Handled It Better’: Thanasi Kokkinakis Reacts to Roger Federer Giving Him a Nickname

Thanasi Kokkinakis won his first ever ATP title, the 2022 Adelaide 2 warm-up tournament, in early January this year. The once-promising youngster had to suffer a lot due to various injuries and thus, the tennis world was elated for the 25-year-old’s title win. The Australian recently opened up about Roger Federer giving him the nickname ‘Thanaser’ while congratulating him. 

Jarrod Walsh posted a video on his Twitter account, where he was interviewing Kokkinakis. The two indulged in some casual conversation when Thanasi told Jarrod about Federer giving him this nickname. 

How Roger came up with the nickname ‘Thanaser’

The Australian beat France’s Arthur Rinderknech in three sets in the final. He celebrated his first title with utmost excitement, however, an even bigger surprise was coming his way.

When Kokkinakis opened his phone, a personal message from Roger Federer was waiting for him. The message read, “Maiden title at home big fella, Love the sound of that Thanaser Amazing… Keep going.” Thanasi shared a screenshot on his Instagram story. 

In his conversation with Jarrod, he expressed his feelings about the same, saying, “Couldn’t have handled it better. He called me by my nickname, which was Thanaser. I had no idea, he just made it up.”

He further elaborated on the reason behind this name. “He had this joke with our team and his team that call each other different names. Like just call each the wrong name, and you are expected to know who they are talking about,” Thanasi said. 

Also Read- Thanasi Kokkinakis Praises Rafael Nadal’s Resilience Despite Suffering Numerous Injury Setbacks

He ended the conversation praising the Swiss Maestro, adding that he could see why Roger is so loved. 

Thanasi Kokkinakis beat Roger Federer

Thanasi Kokkinakis is one of the few players who lead Roger Federer in their head-to-head comparison.

The two met in the Round of 64 at the 2018 Miami Masters 1000. Though Federer took the first set easily, Kokkinakis held his nerve, coming back to win the match 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4). 

Even though Thanasi won the Australian Open warm up tournament in Adelaide, he failed to keep up his win streak at the Australian Open. Losing to German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, the Australian had to make a first round exit at Melbourne Park. He is, however, still alive in the doubles category with partner Nick Kyrgios and they’ll be playing their third round match tomorrow.

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