Aussie fan fave Thanasi Kokkinakis has secured his second spherical spot within the Australian Open in simply three minutes on the court docket on Wednesday evening.
However, the 26-year-old had began his match towards Italy’s Fabio Fognini greater than 24 hours earlier than he was in a position to end it.
The spherical one match was initially scheduled for Tuesday afternoon however was delayed by warmth, which means the pair didn’t step out on to Kia Arena till 7.30pm.
Then, the rain interrupted 5 instances earlier than the choice was made simply earlier than midnight to complete the match on Wednesday. Kokkinakis was main 6-1 6-2 4-2.
On Wednesday, as soon as once more the rain prompted play to be suspended for hours, which means the Australian didn’t return to the court docket till 8.30pm.
In simply three minutes, Kokkinakis completed the match 6-1 6-2 6-2.
“I would have loved to have gotten it finished sort of late last night even, if we stayed a bit longer, but that’s all right – I was ready to go again,” he mentioned in a press convention after the match.
“I didn’t get much sleep. I’ve never been in that sort of position before.”
Kokkinakis faces Brit Andy Murray, 35, within the second spherical of the match on Thursday, somebody he says he has regarded as much as and has the utmost respect for each on and off the court docket.
“I remember watching him when I was younger thinking ‘this dude looks moody as hell, he looks miserable’, but then when you got to know him he’s actually a ripper bloke and a good guy,” Kokkinakis mentioned.
He is hoping a rowdy crowd will assist him safe a win.
Kokkinakis received the Australian Open doubles title final 12 months alongside Nick Kyrgios, who pulled out of the match on Monday with a knee harm.
The pair, dubbed the Special Ks, grew to become well-known for hyping up the gang to attempt to put their opponents off their sport. So a lot so, some tennis purists and gamers slammed the behaviour as inappropriate.
In an on-court interview after his match on Wednesday evening, Kokkinakis mentioned it was “obviously disappointing” they’d not be capable to defend their title however he supported Kyrgios’ choice.
“Nick’s got to do what’s best for him. We had a magical run last year playing on this court a lot of the time in front of you guys and that was something we’ll never forget so hopefully we can run it back again next year,” he mentioned.
“But for him, he’s a good mate first and foremost so health comes first and hopefully he gets back up and running and we’ll see him soon.”
