“I don’t know how he’s doing it,” Thanasi Kokkinakis gives his take on Fabio Fognini being accused of tanking during their Australian Open clash

Thanasi Kokkinakis believes that he played well against Fabio Fognini in the second-round of the Australian Open 2023.


“I don’t know how he’s doing it,” Thanasi Kokkinakis gives his take on Fabio Fognini being accused of tanking during their Australian Open clash

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Fabio Fognini

Tennis fans had hoped for some great tennis action at the Kia Arena, Melbourne Park, in the match between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Fabio Fognini. However, first rain and later a dismal performance from the Italian in the first round match of the Australian Open 2023 disappointed them. The Australian defeated the former World No.9, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 convincingly in under two hours.

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Many believe that Fabio Fognini tanked in the first-round match. However, Thanasi Kokkinakis is jubilant for his performance against the Italian. He attributed the victory to individual heroics.

I’ve played him three times and I’m 3-0, so unless he’s tanked every time, I’m playing good. I served well, I felt like I didn’t really give him many chances. I don’t know what he’s feeling or how he’s doing it, but he’s been in the top 10,” he stated as reported by Australian sports broadcaster Wide World of Sports.

“Who knows, a lot of guys come in and out. If you look at some of the break points, there’s balls that people would be tanking on, wouldn’t run out and try hustle them back. I don’t really care to be honest whether people think he tanked or not, I’m through to the second round, that’s all that matters,” he continued.

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Related: “He should’ve been rubbed out of tennis years ago,” – Fans reprimand Fabio Fognini for tanking against Thanasi Kokkinakis at the 2023 Australian Open

Thanasi Kokkinakis is ready for Andy Murray

Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis (Image Credit: TechRadar)

In his second-round match at the Australian Open 2023, Thanasi Kokkinakis will be playing against five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray. The British legend made it to the second-round after defeating another Italian, Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 7(9)-6(7), 7(10)-6(6) in an epic five-set thriller.

The former World No.1 and current World No.159 have played against each other only once , i.e., in the Davis Cup 2015. Here, Andy Murray defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-3, 6-0, 6-3. However, the Australian is pretty excited to play against the 35-year-old and he has high opinions about him.

“He was someone when I came onto tour that was always willing to give some advice when he thought. I practised with him a fair bit, I played doubles with him at Indian Wells, so we have a fairly good relationship,” he shared.

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“We get along really well. I actually really like him off the court. I remember watching him when I was younger thinking this dude looks moody as hell, he looks miserable. Then when you got to know him, he is actually a ripper bloke and a good guy. Yeah, put all that aside and give it a crack tomorrow. But someone I have the utmost respect for,” he continued.

Australian tennis fans will be very happy to watch Thanasi Kokkinakis win but they would also want Andy Murray to put up a great fight.

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