Thanasi Kokkinakis feels he is enjoying higher tennis heading into the Australian Open that he was final yr when he was coming off his first ATP title.
The 26-year-old was unable to again up his Adelaide International crown this yr, being eradicated within the semi-finals.
But Kokkinakis is feeling upbeat about his first spherical Open conflict on Tuesday with Fabio Fognini, having downed the Italian world No.57 of their solely two conferences.
“I’m definitely up and about – I think I’ve got a bit more in me this time than I did last year,” Kokkinakis informed reporters on Sunday.
“Although I won the tournament in Adelaide last year, I feel like I’m playing better tennis this time around.
“I’m actually proud of my stage going into it and I’m prepared to offer it my all on Tuesday.”
Kokkinakis played well above his current ranking of 110 in Adelaide, upsetting world No.6 Andrey Rublev en route to the final four.
The elation of capturing his first tour title last year was swiftly replaced by his disappointment at a round one elimination at the Australian Open, losing to German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets.
He admitted rolling straight from the Adelaide final win into a Monday opener at the major had taken its toll.
“I bought a Tuesday begin this yr, which undoubtedly helps – I most likely wanted yet another (day) final yr,” the South Australian stated.
“Now I’ve bought just a few days and I’m motivated so there is a silver lining.
“I still wouldn’t have changed it for anything, winning that title last year in Adelaide, but this year I come in a little fresher, a couple more days up my sleeve to get used to it.”
While he made an early singles exit final yr, he teamed with Nick Kyrgios to storm by the doubles to an unlikely Open title.
Kokkinakis stated he did not count on a repeat of their loopy run.
“No, I don’t – last year was something we didn’t expect,” he stated.
“We’re going to go out there and give 100 per cent but if I was to say I’m expecting to back it up, I’d be lying.”
After just a few tough years with varied accidents, Kokkinakis stated his 2023 objectives have been to remain wholesome and to maneuver previous his profession excessive rating of 69, which he initially set in 2015 and matched once more final yr.
“Yeah, I don’t know how I fell on the exact same number,” he stated.
“It’s pretty unlucky – I’m going to try and beat that and try to break into the top 50.
“My purpose is try to win one other title this yr. I simply need to be wholesome and maintain enjoying and enhance my sport.
“If I do that, then I think the ranking will follow.”
