Aussie ace felt toll of success
Burnout hits Kokkinakis
WINNING a maiden ATP title at his home event inflicted a major mental toll on Thanasi Kokkinakis that he says required some serious self-reflection to come back from.
Kokkinakis described last year’s Adelaide International 2 victory as both “a blessing and a curse” given the incredible emotional highs that came crashing down only days later in an opening round exit at the Australian Open.
What the 26 year old labelled his “greatest week on tour” was quickly washed away by the disappointment of the early exit at Melbourne Park and despite an incredible run to a Grand Slam doubles title with Nick Kyrgios, it only served to heighten the emotions.
“That was part of the reason I almost felt a little burnt out,” Kokkinakis revealed.
“I had such a whirlwind of a summer last year coming back from where I’d come from the past 4-5 years, to come full circle and reach my career high … I don’t know if that’s ever been done (in that way) before.
“I had a massive mental lull after that (Adelaide win). I’d kind of achieved what I wanted to at that point.
“Even though I lost and I was pretty cooked for the Australian Open, I still wouldn’t change it.”
It’s long been a question of what-if for Kokkinakis, whose career has been riddled with regular injury setbacks.
Rejoining the tour as a regular in 2022 was a foreign feeling for the South Australian and he admitted to struggling with the day to day rigours, something he plans to remedy this year.
“The tennis tour is tough especially for Australians, I think that’s well-documented. Last year was my first year on tour in a long time just travelling and playing week-in, week-out and I struggled with that,” he said.
“I struggled with seeing guys playing every week and they were hungry – hungry every week – and to get my ranking up that’s where I need to get to. That’s the mentality I need, which I haven’t quite had yet (so) I’m going to focus on that this year.”
He may be back home in the familiar confines of Memorial Drive but the pressure is well and truly on Kokkinakis entering 2023.
He has semi-final points to defend in the opening week and a title in the second, pit against the strongest field the Adelaide International has ever featured.
“Yeah it’s absurd, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 250 this strong,” he said.
“Holger (Rune) is what, 11th in the world, and he’s the five seed? I mean, for a 250 that’s insane. This is strong for a 500 event let alone a 250.
“It could be a Masters – in some ways it’s tougher, because the draw is smaller so you almost play a high ranked player earlier on.”
Kokkinakis begins his home assault with a tough first round match-up against American Maxime Cressy.