Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis has been forced to make a heartbreaking withdrawal from the singles draw of next week's Australian Open.
Injury Strikes in Adelaide Comeback
The popular 29-year-old suffered a right shoulder injury during his opening-round victory at the Adelaide International this week. The issue was severe enough to force him to forfeit his scheduled second-round match in Adelaide.
This setback is particularly cruel for Kokkinakis, who had only just returned to singles competition after a lengthy 12-month absence from the tour. He underwent major pectoral surgery last February, a procedure that involved using a donor's achilles tendon to repair his right pectoral muscle.
A Difficult Decision for the Hometown Hero
Kokkinakis announced the news on social media, stating he made the call after consultations with his medical team. "Unfortunately after speaking with my team and doctors I have made the decision to pull out of the Australian Open singles," he posted.
He expressed his deep disappointment, adding, "After an incredibly tough year this was the event I was looking forward to the most but I'm not ready yet."
His return in Adelaide had started brilliantly with a gutsy win over American Sebastian Korda in a final-set tiebreak. However, Kokkinakis was already managing shoulder pain during that match. He later revealed that if it hadn't been his home tournament, he likely would not have taken to the court at all.
Doubles Campaign with Kyrgios Goes Ahead
There is a silver lining for fans of the South Australian. Kokkinakis confirmed he will still compete in the men's doubles event alongside his great mate, Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios himself has withdrawn from the singles competition as he continues his own recovery from injury.
The shoulder problem is described as a different type of pain to the pectoral issues that previously sidelined him. After his Adelaide win, Kokkinakis predicted he would need anti-inflammatory medication and intensive physiotherapy.
This latest injury is another chapter of frustration for the talented but luckless Kokkinakis, whose career has been repeatedly interrupted by physical setbacks. His absence will be felt keenly by local fans at Melbourne Park next week.
