Thanasi Kokkinakis brought his characteristic warmth and humor to the pre-tournament press conference as he prepared for the 2025 Adelaide International. Known for his light-hearted banter, Kokkinakis, now 28, showcased his personality alongside discussions about the serious nature of professional tennis. With the Australian Open just around the corner, the Adelaide International serves as both preparation and stage for observing players' forms.
Reflecting on tennis culture, Kokkinakis didn’t hold back when expressing his 'icks' about the sport. He lamented, “When they [players] try and not step on lines, and you see them on the court avoiding every line. I don’t know, get over it.” His remarks elicited laughter, showing how the charming player connects with audiences both on and off the court.
The South Australian's love for his home tournament shone through as he prepared to face Yoshihito Nishioka, who he has never played against at the tour level. This match is expected to take place on January 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM AEDT. Nishioka enters the event with mixed results from his previous tournaments, including trying to find his footing following tough losses.
Kokkinakis’s enthusiasm was palpable when he reminisced about his pre-game meals, opting for simple yet effective options like chicken and rice or plain white rice, rather than anything extravagant. Hilariously, he noted, “The one where you’re covering your eyes,” is his favorite emoji, adding another layer of his playful demeanor to the discussion.
Later, Kokkinakis engaged with 11-year-old Max, who interviewed him. The budding tennis star got to grill the professional player about everything from his game-day routines to quirky personal stories. Following their exchange, Kokkinakis promised to hit with the young player, stating, “We’ll do it at some point, for sure.” This moment showcased not only Kokkinakis’s character off-court but also his commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes.
With just one week left before the major Australian Open is set to kick off, the competition is ripe with highly skilled players, with the Adelaide event holding significant importance as they look to secure trophies. Experts are eyeing Kokkinakis due to his historical success at the Adelaide International, where he was awarded the title just last year.
Casey Dellacqua, Nine’s tennis expert, observed, “Thanasi always plays his best tennis at Memorial Drive, and he believes he can pull off some big wins at home.” This quote highlights the confidence Kokkinakis draws from playing on his home turf, surrounded by supportive fans bolstering his performance.
Considered one of Australia’s household names, Kokkinakis is currently poised at No. 77 and is granted wild card entry for the Adelaide International. His recent Challenger victory at the international level showed he’s returning to form, leading to much anticipation for his performance against Nishioka.
While Nishioka has had recent struggles, including falling early at the Brisbane International before the Adelaide event, Kokkinakis's core belief is his past experiences will aid him on this familiar ground. He expressed his readiness and focus heading toward the tournament. Clear analysis suggests he might not be the only competitor to keep eyes on; the presence of Denis Shapovalov and others add pressure but also excitement.
Historical performance presents Kokkinakis with the edge, but the unpredictability of early-season matches always makes for anything but straightforward outcomes. Bookmakers currently have Kokkinakis as the slight favorite over Nishioka due to his crowd support and aggressive style of play, which has proven effective on the hard courts of Adelaide.
Prediction models present Kokkinakis with about 55% chance of winning the match against Nishioka, according to the latest simulations. This statistical backing reinforces the expectations of the local hero showing strength as he adjusts to the season's demands.
Kokkinakis's upcoming match marks his entry point to the 2025 season, and he seeks to capitalize on the advantages of playing at home. His previous experience and support may create the momentum needed to advance deep, setting the stage for excitement leading up to the Australian Open next week.
Whether Kokkinakis's aggressive gameplay can overpower Nishioka or if the Japanese player will pull off the upset remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the Adelaide International promises to be filled with action and intensity as it showcases top players aiming to conclude their weeks with victories heading toward Melbourne.