Kokkinakis stuns top-seeded Rublev to stay perfect in Adelaide

It seems that Thanasi Kokkinakis loves the Adelaide International 2 event, as he never lost a match at it.

Last year, when the event was introduced for the first time, the Australian won as a wild card after beating the second-seeded John Isner and No. 4 Marin Cilic along the way.

This year, Kokkinakis is writing a similar story at the 2023 Adelaide International 2. Once again, he received a wild card and started well in the first round against compatriot Alexei Popyrin.

He needed three sets to beat the fellow wild card recipient, but ultimately, Kokkinakis won in his hometown, 6-0, 6-7(5), 7-5. In the second round, he faced the top-seeded Andrey Rublev, who he never met before.

The Australian started well in the first set, like he did against Popyrin. He got the first break, and thanks to hitting five aces and winning 89% of points after his first serve, Kokkinakis comfortably won the first set 6-4.

In the second set, the Russian also showed his qualities. This time, he was the first player to break, and it seemed that the set would follow the same path as the first one.

But this time, it was a bit different. Kokkinakis had two chances to break back when his opponent was serving for the match. But after he couldn't use those, Rublev won the second set 6-3.

The third set was very similar to the first one. Kokkinakis got an early break and showed a serving masterclass as he hit eight aces, cruising towards a victory in an hour and 59 minutes, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

This win sent the home crowd favorite to the semi-final of the tournament. Up next, he will play against Miomir Kecmanovic. The Australian player can now extend his winning streak at this event even further.