Mystery Injury Strikes Again: Kokkinakis’s Future in Doubt After Epic Australian Open Battle with Draper!

6

Thanasi Kokkinakis faced a bitter exit from the Australian Open after a grueling five-set battle against Great Britain’s Jack Draper. Despite the intense match stretching over four-and-a-half hours, Draper, ranked 15th at the tournament, clinched victory with scores of 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, amid a spirited crowd.

Kokkinakis, visibly frustrated, struggled with a pectoral injury that has long hampered his career. The recurring injury forced him to seek medical attention during the match, making his future in the tournament, especially his doubles match with Nick Kyrgios, uncertain. “Even winning, I couldn’t play the next match. I’m frustrated,” Kokkinakis admitted post-match.


Throughout the game, Kokkinakis had opportunities, including the chance to serve for the win in the fourth set, but the persistent injury wore him down. He took multiple medical timeouts to manage the pain, having previously withdrawn from the Adelaide International due to the same issue.

The injury has been a significant barrier for Kokkinakis, preventing him from sustaining performance across consecutive matches. He expressed uncertainty about his future, planning to seek expert advice to decide the next steps in his career. “My current efforts aren’t working,” he confessed, contemplating some time off the court.

Meanwhile, Draper also entered the competition grappling with hip concerns but managed to power through, despite facing a partisan Australian crowd. He reflected on the challenging atmosphere, crediting Kokkinakis as a formidable opponent, especially on home turf.

This marks another challenging chapter in Kokkinakis’s Australian Open journey, having reached the second round on multiple occasions but never advancing further. The setback has left him contemplating his doubles match with Kyrgios, with the prospect hanging in the balance due to his inability to raise his arm.

Draper, too, acknowledged his relief in overcoming recent injuries to play at the Open, drawing energy from the electrifying crowd atmosphere despite their leanings towards Kokkinakis. The match highlighted Draper’s resilience and tenacity amid adversity, underscoring the spirit of competition at the Australian Open.