Injury-struck Kokkinakis falls short against Draper in Melbourne

Thanasi Kokkinakis suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the Australian Open on Wednesday night, falling to No.15 seed Jack Draper in a grueling five-set match that lasted four hours and 35 minutes.

Playing at John Cain Arena, the Australian took a two-sets-to-one lead before injuries and unforced errors proved costly.

Draper, showing remarkable composure in the longest match of his career, rallied to secure a 6-7(3), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory and a spot in the third round.

Kokkinakis impressed with 69 winners that thrilled the late-night crowd, but his 68 unforced errors compared to Draper’s 30 were pivotal in determining the outcome.

Despite dealing with a chest injury and picking up a thigh issue during the match, the 28-year-old fought valiantly to the end.

“I know Thanasi always brings his best tennis when he plays me,” Draper said after the match.

“He serves great, his forehand is dangerous, and even from difficult positions, he can hit winners.”

Draper’s odds of winning the Australian Open have shortened to +4000 with leading tennis sportsbooks following the victory, highlighting his growing presence in the tournament.

For Kokkinakis, the loss continues a pattern of near-misses at the Australian Open, following five-set defeats to Andy Murray in 2023 and Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2021.

Speaking after the match, Kokkinakis expressed frustration with his injury struggles and uncertainty about his future in the sport.

“I know I’m going to be out for a while,” he said.

“My shoulder was gone before the match, and I was touch-and-go to even play this week. I just tried to empty the tank and see what I could do.”

Kokkinakis, who was a +100 betting site underdog to win the match, described himself as “seething” and admitted to feeling unsure about what lies ahead.

“I know I don’t have forever left,” he said. “I don’t know how long I’ll be out or if I can even get back to this level again. I’m just in a lot of doubt and pretty upset.”

Kokkinakis is scheduled to play doubles alongside Nick Kyrgios, with whom he won the title in 2022, but hinted at the possibility of withdrawing due to his physical condition.

As Draper advances and Kokkinakis reflects on his next steps, the Australian Open continues to deliver intense battles and emotional moments on its grand stage.

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