Alex de Minaur has been brought into the debate over Thanasi Kokkinakis’ preparation for the Australian Open by defending his right to play where he wants to.
Earlier this week, Kokkinakis came under fire from former player Todd Woodbridge who suggested his decision to play an exhibition at the end of 2024 affected his readiness for the Grand Slam. Kokkinakis opted to take part in an event in Russia. Before that, he also played in an Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) event in London which also featured de Minaur.
Kokkinakis was beaten in the second round on Wednesday by Jack Draper in five sets. Speaking to reporters afterward, he shed light on a pectoral injury that has been troubling him for months and is set to consult with a medical team before planning what to do next. Nevertheless, he has opted to continue playing in the doubles tournament where he is paired up with Nick Kyrgios.
When asked about his compatriot’s decision to play an exhibition instead of conducting a training black in the off-season, world No.8 de Minaur dismissed Woodbridge’s criticism.
“Well, look, ultimately everyone decides their own schedule,” de Minaur said after beating America’s Tristan Boyer in the second round.
“Whether you’re playing an exxo (exhibition) or not, you can decide to put training around it.
“I don’t think playing playing a three-day event is going to cause any sort of harm.”
Kokkinakis has been ranked as high as 65th in the world and has one ATP title in his career. He has also beaten a top 10 player three times so far in his career, which has been hampered by various injury setbacks.
“Thanasi is a hell of a player, so much talent,” de Minaur commented.
“[It was] a tough, tough loss last night where he played some incredible tennis for four hours. He’s shown that he can do this in grand slams quite often.
“He’s so dangerous whenever he steps out on the court. I think more than anything, we all just want him to be out there healthy, competing to his highest possible level.”
De Minaur will play Francisco Cerundolo in the next round. He is bidding to become the first Australian man to his home Grand Slam since Mark Edmonson in 1976.
