Kokkinakis Faces Uncertain Tennis Future Amid Persistent Injury Woes

Melbourne, January 16, 2025 - Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis has candidly opened up about the "mental and physical torture" he is enduring due to a nagging pectoral injury, casting doubts over his long-term future in the sport.

After a heartbreaking 5-set loss to Briton Jack Draper in the 2nd round of the Australian Open, the 28-year-old Kokkinakis expressed his frustration, acknowledging that the injury issue can no longer be managed through conservative means.

"There's no guarantees with surgery. One thing is for sure: I can't keep doing what I'm doing. It's mental torture and physical torture," Kokkinakis said, revealing a tear in his pectoral and significant scar tissue that has been hampering his ability to compete at the highest level.

The South Australian had been optimistic heading into the tournament, having won matches in Adelaide earlier this summer. However, the pectoral problem resurfaced, forcing him to withdraw from a quarterfinal clash last week.

Kokkinakis' struggles have taken a toll, with the setback also leading to the withdrawal of his highly anticipated doubles match with compatriot Nick Kyrgios. "I'm pretty flat," Kokkinakis admitted, lamenting the prospect of letting down his long-time friend and doubles partner.

While full of praise for Draper's fighting spirit in the marathon encounter, Kokkinakis expressed his concerns about the future, stating that surgery may now be the only viable option to address the underlying issue and fulfill his potential on the ATP Tour.

This marks the fourth time Kokkinakis has suffered a heartbreaking 5-set defeat in the 2nd round of the Australian Open, a pattern that has taken a significant emotional toll on the talented but injury-plagued athlete.

As Kokkinakis faces an uncertain road ahead, tennis fans and observers alike will be hoping the resilient Australian can find a path to overcome his physical challenges and return to the heights he had previously scaled in his career.