Kokki has no cracker

THANASI Kokkinakis had his Australian Open cut short by rising Russian star Daniil Medvedev.

Returning to Melbourne Park yesterday for the first time since 2015, Kokkinakis pushed hard but was unable to match the Sydney International champion, falling 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (10-8) 6-4.

It was a second blow for local fans by Medvedev, who beat another young Australian Alex De Minaur in the final at Homebush last week.

Kokkinakis, who received a wildcard into the tournament, had to call for medical treatment on his calf and shoulder throughout the match.

After a sluggish first set Kokkinakis rallied but was obviously troubled by his ailing body.

“My whole body is (a) shambles,” the 21-year-old said to the trainer.

“I’d like to say it’s one thing, but it’s the whole thing.”

Kokkinakis looked in control of the third set tiebreak, racing to a 3-0 lead, before the Russian reeled off the next six points.

Kokkinakis then saved four set points including three in a row, with both players sending down some cracking winners.

But world No.53 Medvedev wouldn’t be denied, with his lethal backhand sealing the set.

He then broke early in the fourth and rumbled down an ace on his first match point.

Medvedev will next face South Korean Hyeon Chung.

Last night De Minaur was holding his own after losing the first set 3-6 against Czech veteran Tomas Berdych.

He fought back to win the second 6-3 and level the match when the Geelong Advertiser went to press. HAPPY MARIA – PAGE 44