Thanasi Kokkinakis began the second week in Adelaide with a superb win over fellow Aussie Alexei Popyrin.
He also played last week, but his run wasn't particularly long ending in the second round. Although he was defeated by Jannik Sinner he took many positives from the match and it showed in this one. He was successful by beating fellow Aussie Popyrin in three sets.
It’s what you play for to be honest. I’ve had many great memories last year as well. Having that home energy and home crowd was crazy. I’m happy I gave them something to cheer about there.
Kokkinakis grew up in Adelaide and playing and home is always something special for him. There is a certain tennis magic he is able to produce when he has the backing of his city. Just like last week, Kokkinakis faces a tough challenge in round two - Andrey Rublev.
It’s going to be tough. He hits the [heck] out of the ball. I practised with him two days ago and it’s not easy. We played well, it was a good set. But it’s tricky. He’s a hell of a player. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m going to take my game and get after it. It’s going to be a tough match.
It's not going to be easy but he'll hope to produce a better effort than against Sinner last week. One thing is for sure, the crowd won't be against him.
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