As courtside interviewer Adam Peacock asked Aussie fan favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis after his five-set win over Sebastian Ofner – “you don’t do boredom at the Australian Open, do you?”
For a third time in four years, Kokkinakis ended up in a five-set Australian Open epic, but after painful losses to Stefanos Tsitsipas (2021) and Andy Murray (2023), this time he got the chocolates.
“I wish I could do it easier but I can’t,” he explained post-match.
“I’ve got the mental focus of a three-year-old!”
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But Kokkinakis conceded those previous losses, and a difficult last few months, were in the back of his mind during the four-hour match.
“Battling serious demons, that’s for sure,” he explained.
“No, it was an incredible court. Sometimes I struggle for motivation during the year but January and the Aussie Open definitely isn’t one of those times.
“I had a tough end to last year, tough start to this year and I know it is the first round but this one meant a lot.
“Last year, that one hurt. I had a couple of junkies come up to me at Crown Casino ripping into me for that loss against Murray. Didn’t enjoy that. But that I could make amends and win a five-setter here, I can’t thank you enough. It is ridiculous in here, so thank you.”
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He also praised his team, explaining just how much they cop from him during a match.
“A lot of venting. A few swear words. Grilling them even though they’re doing nothing wrong,” Kokkinakis said.
“It’s just trying to find a way on this court. Tennis is a mental – I won’t swear – but it is tough out here.
“Todd, first ever coach, been with me since seven, seen me in all sorts of places. Love him through thick and thin. Having Lleyton in here, massive support. No-one else from Australian tennis you’d rather have in your corner.
“My family, everyone up there supporting me unconditionally. Whether I have a lot of s**t losses in a row or a big win, I appreciate them.”
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