Thanasi Kokkinakis has made the tough decision to undergo surgery for a persistent issue that has troubled him for some time.
The problem came to a head during the Australian Open in January. Following a thrilling five-set match against Jack Draper, Kokkinakis felt the physical strain, while Draper advanced in the tournament.
The day after the match, Kokkinakis acknowledged the physical torment hindering his performance. He later withdrew from doubles competition with Nick Kyrgios, who was also dealing with an abdominal problem.
Hoping to reach the third round of the Australian Open for the first time, injury struck Kokkinakis during his match against Draper. Questions were raised about the medical timeout he took on court, despite having match points.
Kokkinakis Receives Support from Boris Becker
Yesterday, it was announced that Kokkinakis has undergone surgery to address his troublesome pectoral injury. The aim is to leave his injury woes behind and advance in his career.
At 28, Kokkinakis has yet to move past the third round of any Grand Slam and has not surpassed a career-high ranking of 65 in the ATP world rankings.
Boris Becker, a seasoned veteran in tennis success, sent well wishes to Kokkinakis. He commented on Kokkinakis’ social media, saying, “Good luck with the rehabilitation.”
Kokkinakis will be off the court for an extended period as he recovers. It remains uncertain when he will return to competitive play and rejoin the tour.
Messages from Current ATP Players
Kokkinakis, a well-liked figure on the tour, has received an outpouring of support from fellow ATP players, all eager for his swift return.
Borna Coric commented on Instagram, “Quick recovery buddy, wish you all the best,” accompanied by a prayer and muscle emoji.
Davis Cup teammate Matt Ebden also reached out, saying, “Ready for the DC Finals. Heal well now and enjoy the time out.”
Justin Visser added his encouragement, simply stating: “You’ve got this.”
Kokkinakis needs to ensure full recovery before returning to the tour. Once back, the goal will be to achieve the strong performance he is keenly pursuing in major events.
