Kokkinakis draws inspiration from Kyrgios as he aims for deep Grand Slam run in 2023

| by Zlatko Vodenicharov

Thanasi Kokkinakis grew up with Nick Kyrgios as he was inspired by what his good mate was able to do this year.

In addition to other achievements, Kyrgios enjoyed the best year of his career, reaching the Wimbledon final. The pinnacle of both of their professional careers up to that time was when they teamed up together to win the Australian Open doubles championship.

“You’ve just got to be in really good shape and that’s what I’m working hard on at the moment, getting in real good nick," said Kokkinakis leading up to the Australian Summer. It's what Kyrgios did before this year as he finally worked on his physical shape. "Then, whatever happens, happens – but definitely making a deep run at a slam would be a goal,” added Kokkinakis.

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"Especially when you play some of these guys in events and you either beat them or you’re like, ‘Hang on, I’m not that far off’, and you see them make really deep runs. You’ve just got to be consistent physically and mentally and be ready to play but it’s definitely there if I want it," explained Kokkinakis.

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