Roger Federer’s message to Thanasi Kokkinakis is all class

Thanasi Kokkinakis’ six-year nightmare has come to an end, and Swiss icon Roger Federer showed his class with a personal congratulations.

Roger Federer and Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis has advanced through to the second round of the Australian Open after defeating South Korea’s Kwon Soon-woo in straight sets on Tuesday evening.

Kokkinakis had not won a grand slam match at Melbourne Park since 2015, finally breaking the six-year drought with a 6-4 6-1 6-1 victory over the world No. 92.

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The 24-year-old managed 19 aces in the one-sided encounter, at one stage winning nine consecutive games.

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It was his first win in 532 days, with the wildcard breaking down in tears late in the third set.

The emotion was written all over Kokkinakis’ face.

This one’s for you guys.

Kokkinakis has endured a series of severe setbacks throughout his professional career, including serious back, knee, shoulder, groin and pectoral injuries that have kept him off the court for far too long.

He missed last year’s Australian Open after being struck down with glandular fever and to give you an indication of just how much tennis the 24-year-old has missed, his win over Soon-woo was just his second match since September 2019.

Soon after the win, Kokkinakis received a private Instagram message from tennis superstar Roger Federer: “Nice one Thanaser. Happy for you,” it said.

Kokkinakis clearly appreciated the kind gesture, sharing the DM on his Instagram story and adding: “What a king @rogerfederer” with an emoji with love heart eyes.

I love that neither Kokkinakis nor Federer follow each other on Instagram.

— Marc McGowan 🗣✍️👨🏻‍💻📰 (@ByMarcMcGowan) February 9, 2021

“Massive relief,” Kokkinakis told reporters after the victory. “Just happy to get out in front of the crowd again and play on that court.

“It was a great experience — had a lot of friends and family there watching.

“So much work behind the scenes and so much pain; just a massive relief.

“At five-love I heard a massive roar, massive cheer from the crowd, and I started tearing up. It was a bit of a soft moment. Definitely got a bit emotional.”

Kokkinakis defeated Federer in 2018, an indication of what the Adelaide native could produce when his body allowed him.

“For once I kind of feel like everyone’s in the same boat as far as missing time goes. It’s been a rough year for everyone but what I took, is kind of confidence — if you will — in knowing that everyone’s kind of in the same boat as me,” Kokkinakis said recently.

“I’ve been in this situation where I’ve had to have a lay-off many, many times, so I’m kind of used to it to an extent. I feel that I know how to deal with it and I’m just looking forward to getting started.”

Only those close know the journey....
Grateful I get another chance at this thing🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/SLxi1EVHNl

— Thanasi Kokkinakis (@TKokkinakis) February 9, 2021

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Currently ranked 267th in the world, Kokkinakis will be looking to qualify for the third round of a grand slam tournament for the first time since 2015.

However, the South Australian will come up against Greek superstar and No. 5 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in his next match.

Australians Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin also advanced through to the second round in Melbourne.

— with NCA NewsWire