WHAT HAPPENED: Thanasi Kokkinakis used all his Aussie grit to down No. 11 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, for his first US Open victory since 2019.
The relief was palpable as the world No. 86 gained revenge for five-set heartbreak against Tsitsipas on home soil at Australian Open 2021 to head into the second round over four hours in a sun-kissed Grandstand.
“That was incredible,” said the elated Kokkinakis. “He’s a helluva player. I expected a war. It was physical out there. I have a tendency to drag these matches on into real long battles. I just tried to stay focused on every point.
“I’ve had a lot of tight losses when I’ve been in winning positions, so that one is all relief. It meant a lot, I’m super excited.”
The 68-minute opening set was grueling in the midday heat. Kokkinakis catapulted a backhand over the net post to punctuate a comfortable 3-1 lead. Tsitsipas found his range, capitalizing on "cheapies" from the Australian to level for 4-4. The No. 11 seed delivered a throwback inside-in one-handed backhand return winner, threatening to steal away the opener, but Kokkinakis ripped a brace of barrelling forehands to force a tie-break.
Again, Kokkinakis raced in front, three aces chalked up 6-1, then all of a sudden it was 6-5, until the Adelaide native crunched another forehand, pounding his clenched fist onto his chest in celebration.
Tsitsipas raised his intensity, while Kokkinakis kept sending down 124-127mph region serves and opened up his own chance at 4-3. Time for Tsitsipas to switch it up: a serve-and-volley combination dissolved the break point, his net prowess and ability to transition forward was the telling component to level the contest.
Into the third set and Kokkinakis managed to perform under mounting pressure. A hooked forehand return winner gave Tsitsipas two break points at 1-1. The 28-year-old found his spots. Locked level at 3-3, a golden backhand down the line chalked up another chance. Kokkinakis stood firm again.
A rocket backhand and his own defensive lob masterclass, on the slide left, was the telling point as Kokkinakis broke from 0-40 down. A monster forehand later and the Australian was in charge.
Tsitsipas called for the trainer in the fourth set, struggling with an abdominal issue. To his credit, the Greek kept fighting, before Kokkinakis carved out the crucial break at 5-5 with piercing groundstrokes. Kokkinakis collapsed to the floor, all the emotions poured out after one of his biggest career wins.
WHAT IT MEANS: This could really provide the catalyst for Kokkinakis on the Grand Slam stage. The amiable Aussie's second ever US Open win, on top of defeating No.17 Felix Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon in June, secures just his third career Top 20 victory in the majors (3-9). This is a big deal for Thanasi.
“I missed a lot of my career through the middle period, so I’m just trying to make up for lost time in whatever I have left. I’m just going to keep hustling and see how we go,” reflected the 28-year-old.
“I have the ultimate belief in my game. I felt my body was holding me back for a long period of time, but everyone is so good here from top to bottom, No. 1 to No. 200, if you’re not bringing your best you can lose on any given day.
“I’m not taking anything for granted and putting as much effort as I can into this sport. I took it for granted a little bit in the past when I was a bit younger. This is why you play, in front of this crowd, in these stadiums, in massive cities. It’s an incredible feeling.”
A left knee injury dented his preparations for heading to New York, but if he recovers well from his Tuesday exertions, next up the 28-year-old has a hard-to-call tussle with either Federico Coria or Nuno Borges. The draw could open up for a Round of 16 brawl with 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev.
MATCH POINT: To put Kokkinakis' journey into further context, the green and gold star was a finalist in the US Open 2013 boys' final—missing out on the silverware to Borna Coric. He had surged into the Top 70 by 2015.
Over to the Miami Open in 2018, Kokkinakis upset defending champion Roger Federer, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), as a 175th-ranked qualifier. Talk about potential on a hard court.
A multitude of injuries, surgeries, setbacks ensued in a stop-start career. He's never been able to fulfil his potential, always "coming back" from something. Kokkinakis deserves a deep run at this level due to his perseverance alone.
One of 12 Australian men in the singles field this year (the most at the US Open since 1979), his fans Down Under will hope Kokkinakis can continue on this trajectory.
