Thanasi Kokkinakis ready to put his friendship aside with Andy Murray as they prepare for battle at the 2023 Australian Open

Thanasi Kokkinakis is not letting emotions get in the way of his preparation as he gears up to face friend Andy Murray in the second round of the Australian Open. The Australian assured a match with the former World No.1 by defeating Italian Fabio Fognini in straight sets in the first set of the Grand Slam tournament.

In the post-match press conference, Kokkinakis revealed his close bond with Murray for the first time. He stressed that that relationship would not feature in his thoughts as he looks to go up against Murray on Thursday. Kokkinakis said,”Yeah, I’m very hungry. Andy is a hell of a player, has been for many, many years now. He played a great first round. I’ve known him for a while, he was one of the guys that really took me under his wing when I came out on tour, always sending me messages of encouragement and advice so we know each other pretty well but I’ll put that all aside tomorrow and give it a red hot crack.”

The only time the two players have faced each other was in 2015. That was when Murray was at the peak of his career while Kokkinakis was starting out. The 6-3,6-0,6-3 victory for Murray reflects their individual levels at the time. Things are a lot different now. Kokkinakis has come into his own since the start of last year. The 25-year-old successfully defended his Adelaide International 2 singles trophy last week and performed brilliantly against Fognini. He will aim to go far in his home Grand Slam.

Murray has had a tougher time since then. The three-time Grand Slam champion has battled a devastating hip injury for years. His hip replacement surgery came with a lengthy rehab period during which he fell in the rankings. But the now World No.66 seems to have turned it around. Murray played brilliantly to defeat World No.13 Matteo Berrettini in a five-setter.

Kokkinakis would be smart not to be complacent about the clash with Murray. The wise old veteran vs the local boy on the rise will be one of the most exciting clashes of the tournament. Kokkinakis also carries the added weight of his country’s hopes at the Australian Open. Nick Kyrgios’ withdrawal from the Slam has added expectations on Kokkinakis.

Related: Thanasi Kokkinakis pokes fun at reporter who calls him ‘Kyrgios’ at the Australian Open 2023

Thanasi Kokkinakis at the 2022 Australian Open

Kokkinakis will be unable to vie for the doubles title at the 2023 Australian Open without his partner. Nick Kyrgios’ last-minute withdrawal from the Slam means the duo will not defend their doubles title. The doubles format’s most anticipated matches featured the ‘Special K’s.’

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis stunned the world as they lifted the 2022 Australian Open doubles title. The childhood friends became the first wildcard entry to win the tournament with their achievement. The duo entertained fans with their swashbuckling tennis and impressed analysts worldwide too. They were set to have a go at taking control of the trophy for a second year running, but Kyrgios’ unfortunate injury ruined those plans.

Kokkinakis by himself had a disappointing singles tournament last year. He was knocked out of the first round by Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann. The 2-6,3-6,2-6 loss was a blessing in disguise as it let him concentrate on the doubles. This year, however, Kokkinakis looks much more determined to improve in the singles. He will be looking to prove that point against Murray at the Margaret Court Arena.

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