Australian player who overcame years of injury setbacks to win the 2022 Australian Open men's doubles title alongside Nick Kyrgios.
Thanasi Kokkinakis was born on 10 April 1996 in Adelaide, South Australia, and rose quickly through the junior ranks, earning a reputation early as one of Australia's most promising young talents alongside contemporary Nick Kyrgios. He turned professional and developed into a powerful baseline player, though his career has been repeatedly disrupted by significant injury setbacks, including multiple shoulder surgeries and a serious bout of glandular fever. Kokkinakis's resilience through years of injury interruption became a defining feature of his career narrative, and he found renewed success in doubles, teaming with fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios to win the 2022 Australian Open men's doubles title in an emotional, crowd-favourite run on home soil. In singles, Kokkinakis has recorded notable wins over top-ranked players when healthy, showcasing the talent that made him such a highly touted junior, and has continued to fight his way back into form and ranking position after each setback. Kokkinakis remains a popular figure in Australian tennis, admired for his perseverance through a career defined as much by comebacks from injury as by the on-court talent that first announced him as one of the country's brightest prospects.
2022 Australian Open doubles champion, injury-plagued career
He won the 2022 Australian Open doubles title with Nick Kyrgios — the 'Special Ks' — in front of their home crowd.
Did You Know?How They Played
Kokkinakis possesses a powerful baseline game built around his forehand and serve. He plays an aggressive style, looking to dictate points early and hit winners from both wings. His height and athleticism allow him to generate significant pace and hit through the court effectively.
Career Honours
- Australian Open doubles champion (2022, with Nick Kyrgios)