Special Ks' 'Pact' Revealed Despite Injury Cloud

As Thanasi Kokkinakis races against time to recover for the Australian Open, his rival Corentin Moutet has launched a scathing attack on tournament officials in Melbourne.

Moutet, a talented yet fiery Frenchman, is renowned for his ability to generate headlines with his behavior on and off the court. The left-hander, who had his funding cut by the French Tennis Federation in 2022 for an on-court altercation, has complained of bias against him at Melbourne Park.

Certain that his clash with Aussie hopeful Alexei Popyrin – who last year joined an elite group of Australians to win a Masters event – will be played on a major stadium court, Moutet requested access to train on one of the main courts. However, the Frenchman revealed on social media that his requests have been repeatedly denied, in contrast to the priority treatment afforded to local favorite Popyrin.

Meanwhile, Kokkinakis has withdrawn from the Adelaide International due to a shoulder issue, further clouding his preparations for the Australian Open. The South Australian has a lengthy injury history, including a lingering pectoral problem that troubled him during his three-set win over Tomas Etcheverry earlier this week.

"I've felt better, to be honest. I'm pretty frustrated," Kokkinakis said. "Obviously pulling out last week was tough. I'm not sure how I'm going to go come (out on) Monday when I start. We'll see. (I've) got a few things I need to work through."

Kokkinakis, who has drawn powerful Russian Roman Safiullin in the first round, is not the only Australian dealing with injury concerns. Jordan Thompson withdrew from the Brisbane International with a foot issue, while Nick Kyrgios also reported an abdominal injury last week.

Despite the setbacks, Kokkinakis and Kyrgios have made a "pact" to team up in doubles at Melbourne Park, unless they are "seriously hurt."

"I think both of us made a pact on that, unless we are seriously hurt, we're going to try to come out there, even if we're not feeling great," Kokkinakis said. "That's one thing. We can rely on each other and play. We don't know what we're going to produce out there. But, for sure, we are going to take the court."