Fit, firing and assured once more, Thanasi Kokkinakis believes he can turn into the subsequent bolt from the blue to make a deep grand slam run.
Carlos Alcaraz’s ascent to world No.1 and US Open champion, and Casper Ruud’s cost to the Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows finals have proven there may be room for some contemporary faces on the peak of males’s tennis.
After additionally seeing shut buddy Nick Kyrgios take pleasure in a career-best yr, together with a blistering run to the Wimbledon ultimate, Kokkinakis has purpose to imagine.
“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,” Kokkinakis advised AAP.
“Then, whatever happens, happens – but definitely making a deep run at a slam would be a goal.
“Especially whenever you play a few of these guys in occasions and also you both beat them otherwise you’re like, ‘Hang on, I’m not that far off’, and also you see them make actually 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.”
The first half of Kokkinakis’ profession was cruelled by a luckless run of shoulder, pectoral, groin, knee and elbow accidents, in addition to a critical bout of glandular fever.
In 2017, the South Australian even misplaced his rating.
But his 2022 resurgence, kickstarted by a maiden ATP Tour title breakthrough in his residence metropolis of Adelaide in January, has the 26-year-old believing once more.
“I still didn’t play that many tournaments this year, so I’m hoping for an even fuller year next year,” the world No.93 mentioned.
“But (this was) my best year on tour, so I’m stoked. I had some really good wins.
“It’s nearly being constant and bringing my greatest effort each time I’m going on the market and play. The subsequent purpose for me is prime 50 after which go on from there.”
The fight to achieve that goal will start in his home town.
Kokkinakis won the second Adelaide International this year after making the semi-finals of the first tournament, and is poised to compete in both ATP 250 events next month.
Adelaide One includes Novak Djokovic, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, while Rublev and Kyrgios headline the second tournament.
Kokkinakis is on notice to perform – given the rankings points he will be defending, early defeats in Adelaide would send him spiralling out of the top 100 and mean no direct entry to the slams.
“I noticed the checklist. It was loopy. Especially Adelaide One – it appears like a Masters occasion, virtually,” Kokkinakis mentioned.
“I’m going to return to Adelaide, a court docket that I’ve had my greatest reminiscence on, taking part in in entrance of family and friends – a bit little bit of strain nevertheless it’ll be enjoyable. I’ll take pleasure in it.”
