Australian teenager Thanasi Kokkinakis will begin his bid to join the tennis’ top 100 at next week’s Brisbane International after securing a wildcard spot for the star-studded ATP 250 event.
The 18-year-old will line up alongside some of the world’s best when the tournament kicks off on January 4, including Roger Federer (world No.2), Kei Nishikori (5), former world No.4 Juan Martin del Potro, Milos Raonic (8) and Marin Cilic (9), plus Aussies Lleyton Hewitt and Bernard Tomic.
“Obviously it’s a very strong field but you get the draw you’re given and you’ve just got to give it a crack on the day,” Kokkinakis said.
“I think it’s probably the best ATP 250 event I’ve seen so far, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
A big 2014 saw Kokkinakis finish the season at No.150, climbing a ridiculous 420 spots and claiming a maiden Grand Slam win at the Australian Open.
Now Kokkinakis has teamed up with with former Aussie pro Jason Stoltenberg to take his game up another notch.
Stoltenberg coached Hewitt to a Wimbledon win in 2002 and the pair have already undergone a block of training sessions ahead of Brisbane.
“Potentially it will be ongoing with Thanasi, but not full-time as Jason has other commitments now,” said Davis Cup co-coach Josh Eagle said of the pairing.
“Jason will do some weeks with Thanasi in Melbourne and also in Adelaide, whenever he’s back home from the tour.”
Kokkinakis has also used recent weeks to get in some hits with Roger Federer and take up an opportunity for a training camp stint with the Port Adelaide Power in Dubai.
“Thanasi would be the first to admit it’s been a solid year without being exceptional,” Eagle said.
“This originally came from Thanasi and his team who felt they needed a little extra help and guidance from someone with Jason’s level of experience.”
“In some ways it’s been hard for Thanasi this year with Nick (Kyrgios) doing so well. It wouldn’t be easy watching his friend do so well.
“There’s no doubt that Thanasi has the talent and potential to do what Nick has done. But it just hasn’t happened as quickly as he’d like.”
Photo: Jean-Sebastien Evrard/Getty Images.
