In a devastating blow, Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis has admitted his future looks “bleak” after suffering yet another debilitating injury setback at the 2025 Australian Open. The 28-year-old, who has endured a horror run with injuries throughout his promising career, revealed he is facing the prospect of more surgery and an extended stint on the sidelines due to a long-standing pectoral muscle issue.
‘Special Ks’ Doubles Reunion in Doubt
Kokkinakis’ heartbreaking injury admission has almost certainly scuppered the highly-anticipated reunion of the ‘Special Ks’ doubles pairing with Nick Kyrgios at this year’s Australian Open. The duo, who thrilled fans on their fairytale run to the title in 2022, were scheduled to make their return on Thursday night against fellow Aussies Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth.
However, Kokkinakis conceded he will likely have to withdraw from the match as he faces the prospect of another lengthy rehabilitation from his troublesome pectoral injury.
I feel like I’m letting him (Kyrgios) down, I’m letting people down but yeah, I don’t know… I won’t be able to lift my arm tomorrow. So we’ll see.
– Thanasi Kokkinakis
“Mental and Physical Torture”
In an emotional press conference following his grueling five-set second-round singles loss to 15th seed Jack Draper, Kokkinakis laid bare the anguish caused by his ongoing injury battles. The South Australian said he took a “million painkillers” just to take the court at his home Grand Slam after withdrawing from the Adelaide International last week.
It’s mental torture and physical torture… The reason why I can’t back up big matches.
– Thanasi Kokkinakis on his injury struggles
Kokkinakis, once touted as a future superstar of the sport, said he has tried desperately to manage the injury without surgery in recent years, to no avail. He admitted this latest setback stung more than most, with the realization that he doesn’t have “forever left” to make his mark on the sport.
Facing Uncertain Future
With his “future looking bleak”, Kokkinakis now faces some tough decisions about potentially undergoing surgery in a bid to prolong his injury-ravaged career. However, the affable Aussie is well aware there are “no guarantees” going under the knife will be the miracle cure he needs.
One thing is for sure: I can’t keep doing what I’m doing. It’s mental torture and physical torture.
– Thanasi Kokkinakis
The tennis world will be hoping this is not the final chapter in the Thanasi Kokkinakis story, with the talented shotmaker having already overcome so much adversity to carve out a successful career. But as he comes to grips with this latest cruel twist of fate, Kokkinakis will once again have to dig deep to keep his tennis dreams alive.
