Thanasi Kokkinakis will contest the Adelaide International semifinals for a second straight year, after an upset of No.6 seed Miomir Kecmanovic in the semifinals.
The South Australian, who is defending champion, required two hours and 10 minutes to record a 6-3 6-7(4) 6-1 win over the No.6 seed.
Speaking after the match Kokkinakis told the home crowd about how amazing the atmosphere was, “I’ve had my best memories on this court,” Kokkinakis was quoted as saying by the ATP website.
“Last year was an incredible feeling. It’s something that you dream of as a kid, and to play in front of you guys in this atmosphere, it’s incredible.”
There was also praise for his own serving display as the Australian hit 17 aces on his way to a big victory.
It was a poor first set from Rublev but Kokkinakis’ efficiency on serve helped him stay ahead throughout the contest, “It’s a big part of my game,” the Australian commented.
- “If I’m serving well, I feel like I have a chance to beat a lot of guys. Especially when the new balls came, I tried to take a little bit of pace off my serve and really try and land it, hit the spot. Fortunately, there were a few unreturnables.”
He next faces Roberto Bautista Agut in the tournament’s final four.
