ADELAIDE: Thanasi Kokkinakis’ long-awaited return to competitive tennis ended in heartbreak on Wednesday as the Australian was forced to withdraw from the Adelaide International, conceding his shoulder was not yet ready after nearly a year away from the sport.
The 29-year-old had shown remarkable grit in the previous round, battling through a demanding three-set win over American Sebastian Korda. However, the physical toll proved too much for a body still recovering from pectoral surgery undergone in February.
“Very sad to have to pull out of my favourite event,” Kokkinakis wrote on Instagram. “Unfortunately my arm isn’t quite ready yet after missing a year off. The support is always incredible and love playing here. See you next year.”
The decision carried added emotion, with Kokkinakis revealing he only took to the court because the tournament was held in his hometown. Adelaide has long held a special place in his career, making the withdrawal all the more painful despite the warm support from local fans.
