If there is a silver lining in Thanasi Kokkinakis’ semi-final defeat at the Adelaide International, it is that he might enjoy greater success at the Australian Open as a result.
The hometown hero’s inspired title defence came to an end with a brave three-set loss to world No.26 Roberto Bautista Agut at a packed Memorial Drive on Friday night.
The result halted a captivating run by the 26-year-old that included a win over world No.6 Andrey Rublev, with his big serving, powerful groundstrokes and aggressive approach absorbing to watch.
AUSSIE STAR DEALT BRUTAL GUT PUNCH AS TENNIS ‘BRICK WALL’ CRUSHES HOME TOWN DREAM
As much as Kokkinakis adores his hometown tournament, its proximity to his home Grand Slam that kicks off at Melbourne Park on Monday isn’t ideal.
After holding aloft his maiden ATP Tour trophy after Saturday night’s final last year, Kokkinakis had to hotfoot it to…
