Thanasi Kokkinakis’ epic three minute win at Australian Open after huge delays
It took Thanasi Kokkinakis just three minutes to secure his second round spot on Wednesday night – but the match started more than 24 hours earlier.
Aus Open
Don't miss out on the headlines from Aus Open. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Aussie fan fave Thanasi Kokkinakis has secured his second round spot in the Australian Open in just three minutes on the court on Wednesday night.
However, the 26-year-old had started his match against Italy’s Fabio Fognini more than 24 hours before he was able to finish it.
The round one match was originally scheduled for Tuesday afternoon but was delayed by heat, meaning the pair didn’t step out on to Kia Arena until 7.30pm.
Then, the rain interrupted five times before the decision was made just before midnight to finish the match on Wednesday. Kokkinakis was leading 6-1 6-2 4-2.
On Wednesday, once again the rain caused play to be suspended for hours, meaning the Australian did not return to the court until 8.30pm.
In just three minutes, Kokkinakis finished the match 6-1 6-2 6-2.
“I would have loved to have gotten it finished sort of late last night even, if we stayed a bit longer, but that’s all right – I was ready to go again,” he said in a press conference after the match.
“I didn’t get much sleep. I’ve never been in that sort of position before.”
Kokkinakis faces Brit Andy Murray, 35, in the second round of the tournament on Thursday, someone he says he has looked up to and has the utmost respect for both on and off the court.
“I remember watching him when I was younger thinking ‘this dude looks moody as hell, he looks miserable’, but then when you got to know him he’s actually a ripper bloke and a good guy,” Kokkinakis said.
He is hoping a rowdy crowd will help him secure a win.
Kokkinakis won the Australian Open doubles title last year alongside Nick Kyrgios, who pulled out of the tournament on Monday with a knee injury.
The pair, dubbed the Special Ks, became well-known for hyping up the crowd to try and put their opponents off their game. So much so, some tennis purists and players slammed the behaviour as inappropriate.
In an on-court interview after his match on Wednesday night, Kokkinakis said it was “obviously disappointing” they would not be able to defend their title but he supported Kyrgios’ decision.
“Nick’s got to do what’s best for him. We had a magical run last year playing on this court a lot of the time in front of you guys and that was something we’ll never forget so hopefully we can run it back again next year,” he said.
“But for him, he’s a good mate first and foremost so health comes first and hopefully he gets back up and running and we’ll see him soon.”
Originally published as Thanasi Kokkinakis’ epic three minute win at Australian Open after huge delays
Star’s weak excuse for petulant outburst
Daniil Medvedev has laughed off a wild outburst where he smashed his racquet repeatedly against the net camera.
Injury-riddled Popyrin flames out in round 1, Demon delivers
Alex de Minaur is off to a perfect start in Melbourne despite conceding an all-time great tweener, but Alexei Popyrin won’t be as pleased with his performance. FOLLOW DAY THREE LIVE.