Despite ending up “cooked” eventually 12 months’s Australian Open, Thanaski Kokkinakis does not plan on dialling down his begin to the tennis 12 months and can play doubles once more with Nick Kyrgios.
Kokkinakis is taking part in each editions of his dwelling Adelaide International which began on Sunday and can also be defending his maiden ATP singles title within the second event subsequent week.
Kygrios can also be attributable to play in week two, nonetheless he pulled out of Australia’s United Cup crew with an ankle damage.
Kokkinakis was unsure if his good mate would entrance in Adelaide however was assured the Special Ks would reunite to defend their Australian Open doubles crown.
“We’ll be playing at Aussie – doubles is a lot less taxing on the body, and mentally it’s a bit easier as well,” Kokkinakis informed reporters in Adelaide.
“Obviously singles is our priority but I think it would be rude not to go out there and have fun with it.”
Kokkinakis beat France’s Arthur Rinderknech in an epic last to win his Adelaide title final 12 months whereas he was additionally pushed to a few units in three rounds main as much as that.
The trophy got here after additionally reaching the semi-finals within the first Adelaide event, overwhelmed by eventual champion Gael Monfils.
He admitted the workload took its toll as soon as he arrived at Melbourne Park however mentioned he had no regrets.
“I felt like I had a marathon almost every match in that second week,” the 26-year-old mentioned.
“It was pretty full on coming into Aussie, but I wouldn’t change it any other way.
“It was a blessing and a curse – clearly it was my biggest week on tour and an unbelievable second.
“Even though I lost and was pretty cooked for AO, I still wouldn’t have changed it.”
With a world rating of 93, Kokkinakis bought a wildcard into this week’s Adelaide draw, which is stacked with expertise.
Top seed Novak Djokovic is taking part in in Australia for the primary time since he was deported from final 12 months’s Open and is drawn to play Frenchman Constant Lestienne in spherical one.
Another former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev, now ranked seven, takes on Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
World No.6 Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime is the second seed and can face a qualifier.
Kokkinakis will play American world No.34 Maxime Cressy whereas Jordan Thompson is up in opposition to France’s Quentin Halys and one other Australian Chris O’Connell meets Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic.
Alexei Popyrin received his manner into the primary draw, beating China’s Wu Yibing 6-4 3-6 7-5 within the last spherical of qualifying on Sunday.
