Thanasi Kokkinakis is fighting through blood, sweat, and tears, quite literally, at the Australian Open. Amid struggling with physical restraints, the Aussie sensation is keeping his fighting spirit alive against Briton Jack Draper for a place in the third round. What’s rather amazing, is that the 2022 AO doubles champion is still giving the British star a run for his money despite battling two serious injury concerns.

The Australian sensation landed in Melbourne on the back of a quarterfinal walkover to American Sebastian Korda at the Adelaide International, all for the same reasons he is struggling at the ‘Happy Slam’. Kokkinakis is reportedly suffering from a shoulder and thigh injury that is rapidly taking a toll on his performance at the John Cain Arena but, is exhibiting laudable athleticism against Draper. He clinched the opening set of their clash in a tough tiebreaker, however, his physical troubles were only starting to surface.

Kokkinakis had to take a medical timeout (MTO) mid-match and this seemingly disrupted his rhythm. As a result, Draper exploited his condition and proceeded to level the match by bagging the fourth set, forcing a decider between the duo. Both players are currently locked in with a four-set scoreline that reads 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-3, 5-7.

For those unaware, the Aussie star locked horns with young gun Draper after downing Roman Safiullin in the tournament’s opening-round showcase. Even then, his athleticism was nothing short of laudable. He registered a comeback victory against the Russian player after suffering a first-set deficit and concluded the contest 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(5).

Kokkinakis last trended heavily at the ‘Happy Slam’ in 2022 when he clinched a maiden doubles delight with his childhood mate and compatriot Nick Kyrgios. This year, he stormed social media after expressing his strong remarks to a 16-time Grand Slam doubles champion’s comments on his hectic schedule.

Thanasi Kokkinakis fires back at Todd Woodbridge at the Australian Open

Australian superstar Thanasi Kokkinakis isn’t shy of showcasing his demeanour both on and off the court. Following his impressive win against Safiullin at the Show Court Arena, the 28-year-old fired back at some of his critics who asserted that his overwhelming touring commitments attributed to his recent physical struggles in Melbourne.

Multiple Grand Slam doubles winner turned broadcaster, Aussie Todd Woodbridge, heard Kokkinakis’ side of the story after commenting on the latter’s schedule. During a post-match presser, Kokkinakis said: “That’s fine, [he’s] trying to make a good living, as well. That’s why he’s trying to host every game show there is under the sun, we’re trying to make a living as much as he is. Sometimes you got to weigh up your options as far as trying to do what’s best for your career, best for the ranking.”

Amid all the hue and cry, speculations surrounding the split from his influencer girlfriend Hannah Dal Sasso also aired online, with reports suggesting that the couple called it quits in September last year. Despite such updates, the Aussie businesswoman was spotted in the Rod Laver Arena moments before the former World No. 65 geared up for action.

For now, fans can only hope that Kokkinakis remedies his physical strains and looks to recover before marking another thrilling on-court adventure on the tour.