Thanasi Kokkinakis’ road to recovery from a shoulder injury is taking longer than expected as he admits that he might not be ready in time for the French Open.
The 19-year-old hasn’t played a match on the ATP Tour since the Valencia Open last October after undergoing surgery on his shoulder at the end of last year. The Australian has endured problems with his shoulder ever since his dislocated it playing basketball ‘a few years ago’ according to The Herald Sun.
In a recent interview with The Herald Sun, Kokkinakis revealed that he is yet to start serving as he continues his rehab from surgery. On a more positive note, the Australian said he is now hitting his forehand at ‘probably 50 per cent’ and his backhand at ‘90 per cent’. The slow recovery has cast doubts about his ability to play in the second Grand Slam of 2016. Looking ahead to the upcoming clay court season, the former world No.69 has admitted that he is uncertain if he will be ready in time.
“It’s going all right, it’s been 12 weeks now since I had the surgery,” he said.
“There’s a few things going on in the shoulder, but it’s getting better.
“There’s a bit of post-surgery soreness. I’ve got full range of movement, but not all the time.
“The goal was to be ready for the French Open, but I’m not sure now.”
Last year at Roland Garros, Kokkinakis defeated Bernard Tomic to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.
The injury troubles of the teenager have also proven fatal to his Olympic ambitions this year. Nevertheless, the likable young talent admitted that it could have been worst.
“The most disappointing thing is that I’ll miss the chance to have a crack at the Olympics. I was really looking forward to that”. The Australian said.
“It could be worse — I could be a (track and field) sprinter.”
Last year Kokkinakis achieved a win-loss of 13-19 on the ATP Tour. He clinched his second Challenger title at the Bordeaux Open in May that year.
