Thanasi Kokkinakis, an Australian professional tennis player, has kicked off the 2022 season with a bang. It seems he has just realised his athletic prowess and has continuously been upsetting the highest-ranked players in the Adelaide International 2. On January 13, he prevailed over countryman Aleksandar Vukic and booked a spot in the Adelaide International semi-final.
Following his back-to-back victories in recent matches, fans have become curious to know more about him. Here are some facts you need to know about the Aussie tennis star.
His Parents are Greek Immigrants
Kokkinakis is one of three children born to his Greek immigrant parents. His father, Trevor (Tryfon), an engineer, is from Kalamata, Greece, and his mother, Voula (Paraskevi), a housewife, is from Tripoli, Greece.
His elder brother, Panayoti, is also an engineer like their father, and his sister, Christina, is involved in law and media.
He Had an Impressive Junior Career
Kokkinakis was ranked as high as No. 10 in the world as a junior. He won one junior Grand Slam championship, the doubles title at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships with partner Nick Kyrgios, and finished second in two junior Grand Slam singles finals that year.
Kokkinakis had his first breakthrough in March 2008 when he won the 12-year-old National Lawn Tennis tournament in Mildura beating Joshua Bray in the final.
He Has Beaten World No. 1
After turning pro in 2013, Kokkinakis entered the top 100 for the first time in 2015, winning one ATP Challenger Tour title and reaching the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament for the first time at the 2015 Indian Wells Masters.
After an injury-plagued 2016, Kokkinakis won the 2017 Brisbane International doubles title with Jordan Thompson but lost in the singles final of the 2017 Los Cabos Open against Sam Querrey.
In 2018 Miami 2R, he upset defending champion Roger Federer as 175th-ranked and became the lowest-ranked player to beat World No. 1 since No. 178 Clavet beat Hewitt in 2003 Miami 2R. He won one additional challenger title, winning both the single and doubles title at Nordic Naturals in August 2018.
In 2019, injuries kept him from playing on the professional circuit for the next two years, but he returned in 2021 and reached two Challenger finals, one of which he won.
His Impressive Comeback in 2022
On January 5, Kokkinakis reached the quarter-finals of the Adelaide International 1 after stunning No. 4 seed Frances Tiafoe. He progressed to the semi-finals of the tournament before losing to world No. 19 Gael Monfils of France.
Kokkinakis looms as a dangerous floater at the upcoming Australian Open after he proved himself once again with a thrilling three-sets victory over world number 24 John Isner at the Adelaide International 2. A day before, he had defeated Benoit Paire 6-4 6-0 in round 1.
The win against Tiafoe set up a quarter-final showdown against fellow Australian Aleksandar Vukic. This time again, he showed his skills and advanced to the semi-final after defeating Vukic 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-3 in Adelaide. On Jan. 14, he will face Marin Cilic in the semi-final round.
He Allegedly Slept with Stan Wawrinka’s Girlfriend
In August 2017, Nick Kyrgios, during a match with Stan Wawrinka, claimed that Kokkinakis had slept with Wawrinka’s girlfriend, Donna Vekic. The event created a lot of controversies, but Kokkinakis later confirmed that he had cleared the air with Wawrinka and Donna.
As of January 2022, Kokkinakis is apparently single. He hasn’t made his relationship with anyone official yet.
FAQs
How Old is Thanasi Kokkinakis?
The Australian tennis player was born in Adelaide, South Australia, on April 10, 1996, making him 25 years old. His astrological sign is Aries.
What is Thanasi Kokkinakis’ Ethnicity?
Though Kokkinakis is an Australian, he is of Greek heritage. Needless to say, he is proud of his Greek roots.
How Tall is Thanasi Kokkinakis?
The Australian athlete stands tall at the height of 1.96 m or 6 foot 4 inches. He has a great physique and a fit body that weighs around 84 kg.
What Rank is Thanasi Kokkinakis?
As of January 13, 2022, Kokkinakis boasts the singles ranking of 145. He achieved his career-high ranking of No 69 on June 8, 2015.
Who are Thanasi Kokkinakis’ Coaches?
Kokkinakis is currently being coached by Todd Langman and Todd Ley. They took turns being on the road with him. His fitness coach is Johnny Parkes.
What is Thanasi Kokkinakis Net Worth?
According to ATP Tour, Kokkinakis has so far earned $1,687,614 as prize money from singles and doubles matches. In addition, he makes thousands of dollars from sponsorships from Safety Culture, Babolat, and ATL Marine & Energy.
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