Thanasi Kokkinakis has been plagued by injuries throughout his career and has not played a competitive match since January 15 this year.
The former US Open junior finalist, now ranked 452 in the world, is set to make his return to professional play alongside Nick Kyrgios at the Brisbane International.
Australian fans will surely welcome Kokkinakis’ return. With his high velocity game, the Australian is one of the most exciting players to watch on the men’s Tour.
What would be a successful season for Nick Kyrgios in 2026?
The Australian’s participation in another Australian Open warmup event was confirmed on Monday evening.
Thanasi Kokkinakis is set to play in the Adelaide International
Kokkinakis, the 2022 Australian Open Men’s Doubles champion alongside Nick Kyrgios, has been given a wildcard for the Adelaide International.
Kokkinakis will have fond memories of the event, having won his only ATP Tour title at the 2022 ‘Adelaide International 2.’
That year, Kokkinakis defeated future Shanghai Masters finalist Arthur Rinderknech in the final, 6–7, 7–6, 6–3.
At the 2025 event, Kokkinakis defeated Japan’s Yoshito Nishioka and Argentina’s Tomas Etcheverry in the opening two rounds.
The three-hour battle against Etcheverry took its toll, and Kokkinakis was forced to withdraw from his next match against Sebastian Korda.
“Massive apologies,” said Kokkinakis to the Adelaide crowd.
“There’s nowhere else I would rather be playing than here tonight in front of you guys. Unfortunately, just a lot of pain last night, playing through an injury that’s kept me out for many years, and it came back and crept up on me.”
What did Kokkinakis say after winning the 2022 Adelaide International?
The tournament is of particular importance to Kokkinakis as Adelaide is the area in which he grew up.
If you were in charge of tennis, what is the first rule you would change?
Speaking to reporters after the 2022 final, Kokkinakis reflected on an emotional day.
When asked if his victory had ‘sunk in,’ Kokkinakis replied: “No, not really to be honest. Geez, when I saw that final ball went long, I don’t think I’ve ever felt emotions like that.
“You grow up playing, you never know if it’s ever going to happen. I made one final before. Down a set, down a mini break in the breaker. From then on, from 2-0 in the second set, I started to play really good tennis.
“To do it in Adelaide, a court I grew up playing on when I was seven, eight, nine years old, my hometown, in front of friends and family, they’ve had a tough year, ridden the ups and downs with me, yeah, I’m so happy.”
One hopes that Kokkinakis can find a way to stay fit and healthy throughout the 2026 ATP Tour season. When he is unavailable, fans miss out on watching one of the most entertaining players on the circuit.
However, Kokkinakis’ injury history does not paint a pretty picture. The Australian has suffered serious injuries in 2016, 2019, and throughout 2024 and 2025.
Hopefully Kokkinakis will be able to compete at the Australian Open in 2026. He last competed at the event in 2024, losing in the second round to Grigor Dimitrov.
