Thanasi Kokkinakis has targeted a singles return at the Australian Open and left the door open for a doubles reunion with Nick Kyrgios.
The 29 year-old’s last tournament was at last year’s Australian Open where he lost to Jack Draper in a five set epic.
However, the contest came at a cost for Kokkinakis as he was forced to have pectoral surgery and hasn’t played since.
Speaking about the surgery Kokkinakis is hoping that the operation is a long-term investment in his career, “I’m hoping this will still give me some five or six years,” Kokkinakis was quoted by The Neos Kosmos as saying on The Today Show.
“I’d rather take a few more good years than five or six years of not being able to be at my peak. I had to take a chance and take a risk, and I’m willing to live with the result.”
It’s been a long road for Kokkinakis in one of his toughest challenges of his career but is preparing to step back on the tennis court in 2026.
The plan for Kokkinakis is to return in Brisbane for doubles before playing his home tournament in Adelaide and the Australian Open, “I’m hoping to start Brisbane doubles, maybe try and make my return to Adelaide if all goes well and keep trending the right way, and hopefully I’m in good nick to start the Aussie Open,” Kokkinakis stated.
“That’s the plan. I don’t think I’ll be at my best till sort of mid-year. It’s tough surgery I’m coming back from, but I’d love to get back on the court at the Aussie Open.”
Despite some memorable performances, Kokkinakis has never made it to the third round in Melbourne and will be doing his best to try and achieve the feat in 2026.
However, in doubles Kokkinakis won the title in 2022 alongside good friend Nick Kyrgios as they won the title as wildcards.
Kokkinakis has opened the door to a reunion at next year’s event, “If all goes well, we’d love to run it back at the Aussie Open,” Kokkinakis explained.
“We haven’t given it a fair crack since we won. We were both injured this year when we played, so, yeah, the crowd loves it, and that’s kind of why we’re doing it.”
