Thanasi Kokkinakis defeats Stefanos Tsitsipas in US Open boilover

An often-injured Australian tennis star has just produced the biggest upset of the US Open in a stunning first round display.

Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis has secured the biggest win of his career at a grand slam.

In his opening round match-up, the 28-year-old went up against the 11th seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas and produced an upset for the ages.

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Kokkinakis had the upper hand on his heavily favoured opponent from the outset before wrapping up the 7-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory just before the four-hour mark.

The Aussie immediately fell to his back on the baseline in celebration as he booked his spot in the second round.

Let’s f***ing go,” Kokkinakis shouted as he soaked in the win before he went to the net to shake hands with Tsitsipas.

The emotion came pouring out after the win. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Kokkinakis has endured a torrid run throughout his career with significant injuries continually hampering him.

On Wednesday it was all forgotten as he defeated a dual grand-slam semi-finalist in one of the biggest upsets at the US Open so far.

The victory is only his second in New York and his first since 2019.

“Incredible. You guys (the crowd) were unbelievable. He’s 11 in the world and I felt all the support,” Kokkinakis said.

“4 hours in extreme heat against one of the best players in the world.

“Hell of a player. I had a 5 set battle with him a couple years ago at the Australian Open. I was expecting a war. It was physical out there.

“I have a tendency to sometimes drag these matches on. I tried to stay focused and stay the course. I tried to play every point.

“I had a lot of tight losses when I’ve been in winning positions. That was just all relief and mental I would say. I’m super excited.”

Kokkinakis did it. Luke Hales/Getty Images/AFP

It was a successful day at Flushing Meadows for the Aussies with Kokkinakis being joined in the second round by a handful of fellow countrymen.

Jordan Thompson proved far too strong for Constant Lestienne as he secured the 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 victory.

Tristan Schoolkate, in the draw with a wildcard entry, showed he belonged as he took down Japan’s Taro Daniel in a gruelling five-set encounter.

The Aussie bounced back from being two sets down to claim the 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 win and advance into the second round.

Top ranked Aussie Alex de Minaur took care of business against American Marcos Giron, winning 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

Max Purcell got the better of fellow Aussie Alexsandar Vukic as he secured the 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 win.

Sadly it wasn’t to be for Destanee Aiava, Taylah Preston and Daria Saville.

Originally published as Thanasi Kokkinakis defeats Stefanos Tsitsipas in US Open boilover