Thanasi Kokkinakis falls short of Adelaide International final after semifinal defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut.
Thanasi Kokkinakis has watched nine break points sail him by in the decisive set to end the local hope’s Adelaide International 2 title defence.
The Australia threw his biggest punches at Memorial Drive but the craft and nerve of veteran Roberto Bautista Agut proved too much in a 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-3 semi-final loss on Friday night.
Kokkinakis, a fan favourite from South Australia, gave Bautista Agut a tough time with his powerful serving and dazzling forehand play. The 34-year-signature old’s flat baseline hitting helped him save all nine break points he faced in a dramatic final set, sealing a victory after two hours and 35 minutes and setting up a championship match against Soonwoo Kwon.
Bautista Agut remarked of Kokkinakis after the match, “He’s a very talented player, he was serving fantastic.” On this court, he is outstanding. There’s a lot of promise there, and I hope for the best for him. Thanasi was a strong opponent on this court today.