Thanasi Kokkinakis, Australian tennis player

Athanasios "Thanasi" Kokkinakis, whose Greek name is Αθανάσιος "Θανάσης" Κοκκινάκης (often affectionately shortened to Thanasis), is an accomplished Australian professional tennis player. Born on April 10, 1996, Kokkinakis has carved out a compelling career marked by significant achievements, remarkable resilience, and a distinctive playing style.

His journey in professional tennis has seen him reach a career-high singles ranking of world No. 69, as recorded by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), an impressive milestone he first achieved on June 8, 2015. In singles, he has clinched one coveted ATP Tour title and delivered his best Grand Slam performance at the 2015 French Open, advancing to the third round.

Beyond singles, Kokkinakis has also excelled in doubles, attaining a career-high ranking of world No. 46 on January 31, 2022. This particular achievement followed a memorable victory at the 2022 Australian Open, where he partnered with his compatriot and longtime friend, Nick Kyrgios, forming a dynamic duo affectionately known as the "Special K's" by fans.

A Promising Start: Junior Career and Early Milestones

Kokkinakis’s talent was evident from a young age, as he quickly ascended to become the world No. 10 in the junior rankings. His junior career was decorated with notable successes, including a Grand Slam doubles title at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, once again partnering with Nick Kyrgios. That same year, he showcased his singles prowess by reaching the finals of two additional junior Grand Slam tournaments, signaling a bright future for the young Australian.

Breaking Through and Battling Adversity

The transition to the professional circuit saw Kokkinakis make significant strides. In 2015, he successfully broke into the top 100 of the ATP rankings for the first time, a testament to his burgeoning skill. During this period, he also secured a title on the ATP Challenger Tour and made a strong impression at the 2015 Indian Wells Masters, reaching the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament for the first time. However, the trajectory of his career soon faced considerable challenges.

The year 2016 was heavily impacted by injuries, which severely limited his time on court and tested his resolve. Despite these setbacks, Kokkinakis demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to reach his first ATP Tour finals in 2017. He secured the 2017 Brisbane International doubles title with fellow Australian Jordan Thompson but narrowly missed out on a singles title, losing to Sam Querrey at the 2017 Los Cabos Open.

In 2018, Kokkinakis continued his comeback, winning two more Challenger titles and re-entering the top 150 by the end of the year. Yet, further injuries plagued him over the subsequent two years, preventing consistent competition on the professional circuit and making his path back to the top a challenging one. His unwavering determination, however, proved to be a defining characteristic.

The Triumphant Return: A Resilient Comeback

His persistence paid off with a notable return in 2021, where he reached two Challenger finals, winning one. This laid the groundwork for an even more impactful 2022, a year that truly highlighted his fighting spirit. Kokkinakis appeared in his first ATP Tour singles final in five years at the 2022 Adelaide International 2. In an emotionally charged atmosphere, he prevailed in front of a supportive home-town audience, securing his maiden ATP title – a victory that resonated deeply with fans and showcased his enduring talent.

The pinnacle of his 2022 season, and indeed his career to date, arrived just weeks later at the Australian Open. Partnering with Nick Kyrgios, the childhood friends captivated the nation with their electrifying performances, ultimately triumphing to win the men's doubles title. This Grand Slam victory, achieved on home soil, was a powerful vindication of his journey and a memorable moment in Australian tennis history.

FAQs About Thanasi Kokkinakis

Who is Thanasi Kokkinakis?
Thanasi Kokkinakis is an Australian professional tennis player, born on April 10, 1996. He is known for his powerful game and remarkable resilience in overcoming numerous injuries throughout his career.
What is Thanasi Kokkinakis's highest singles ranking?
He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 69 on June 8, 2015, according to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
Has Thanasi Kokkinakis won any Grand Slam titles?
Yes, Thanasi Kokkinakis won the men's doubles title at the 2022 Australian Open, partnering with fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios. He also won a junior Grand Slam doubles title at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, also with Kyrgios.
How many ATP Tour singles titles has Thanasi Kokkinakis won?
Thanasi Kokkinakis has won one ATP Tour singles title, which he secured at the 2022 Adelaide International 2.
Who is Thanasi Kokkinakis's primary doubles partner?
He is most famously known for his successful doubles partnership with compatriot Nick Kyrgios, with whom he won the 2022 Australian Open and the 2013 Wimbledon junior doubles title.
What is Thanasi Kokkinakis's heritage?
Thanasi Kokkinakis is of Greek descent, which is reflected in his full name, Athanasios Kokkinakis.