“It’s going to be the Novak Djokovic show,” Thanasi Kokkinakis not surprised by the support for the Serb in Australia
World Number 93 expects Novak Djokovic to perform at his high level but also thinks he will be challenged
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Thanasi Kokkinakis and Novak Djokovic
Australian player Thanasi Kokkinakis expects Novak Djokovic will perform extremely well at the Adelaide International. The Aussie pro reckons Djokovic is undoubtedly favorite to lift the title, given his impeccable record at the Australian Open, having won nine Grand Slam titles in Melbourne. More interestingly, he also believes Djokovic will end his career as the best ever to play the sport.
Novak Djokovic has been the cynosure of media and fans since the time he landed in Australia, end December, 2022. This is the first time the Serbian has set foot in the country since the deportation drama last January. Forced to miss the Australian Open due to his visa being overturned, Djokovic is keen to make a statement and win the championship. He has decided to participate at the Adelaide International in preparation for the season’s first Grand Slam.
The World Number 5 is slated to participate in both singles and doubles. Kokkinakis realizes that his title defense (doubles) is made difficult by Djokovic’s participation. Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios were partners in 2022. He believes that the other competitors at the Aus Open will also make the competition harder. The likes of Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Holger Rune are all capable of winning the title, according to Kokkinakis.
“It’s almost like Medvedev is flying under the radar, or Holger, who just won Paris Masters, is flying a bit under the radar. Felix had a massive back-end of last year. It’s obviously going to be the Djokovic show, but there are a lot of good players who are more than capable of winning this title”, Kokkinakis said.
Kokkinakis has a challenge on hands if he is to retain his Adelaide International crown. The World Number 93 says the 2022 edition was his best tournament ever. He acknowledged the pressure he is facing and says it will be hard to defend his title.
Related: WATCH: Novak Djokovic gets a hero’s welcome on return to Australia after 2022 deportation drama
Thanasi Kokkinakis at the 2022 Adelaide Open
Thanasi Kokkinakis won the 2022 Adelaide International title after beating Arthur Rinderknech. The Adelaide resident defeated the Frenchman 6-7(6), 7-6(5), 6-3 at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre. The win was Kokkinakis’s his first-ever ATP title.
The victory in presence of his home crowd made it even more special. Fans erupted in delight after Kokkinakis sealed victory. Having been through multiple injury battles since his first breakdown in 2015, the title win was a milestone for the 26-year-old.
Kokkinakis will face challenging circumstances with the addition of Djokovic and other stars to the draw. He begins his title defense against American Maxime Cressy on 2nd January.
Related: Jannik Sinner issues Novak Djokovic warning to the Tour after a combined practice
Related: Holger Rune envisions himself winning the 2023 Australian Open
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Vitasta Singh
(691 Articles Published)