Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis faced heartbreak on Wednesday as he was forced to withdraw from the Adelaide International, citing a lingering shoulder injury. The 29-year-old returned to competitive tennis after nearly a year off but admitted his body was not yet ready for the rigors of top-level play.
“Very sad to have to pull out of my favourite event. Unfortunately my arm isn’t quite ready yet after missing a year off,” Kokkinakis shared on Instagram. “The support is always incredible and love playing here. See you next year.”
Kokkinakis’ Emotional Comeback Cut Short
Kokkinakis had battled through a grueling three-set victory over American Sebastian Korda in the opening round, showing glimpses of his former form. However, the physical toll proved too great for a body still recovering from pectoral surgery performed in February last year.
His withdrawal allowed Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot to advance directly to the quarter-finals, a bittersweet moment for fans who had hoped to see Kokkinakis continue his run.
Injury History and Australian Open Implications
The shoulder problem has troubled Kokkinakis since last year’s Australian Open, where he aggravated the injury during a five-set second-round loss to Jack Draper. This Adelaide withdrawal casts doubt on his participation in the 2026 Australian Open, which begins this Sunday.
| Tournament | Match Outcome | Injury Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Australian Open | Lost R2 to Jack Draper (5 sets) | Shoulder aggravated |
| 2026 Adelaide International | Won R1 vs Sebastian Korda | Withdrew R2 due to shoulder |
| 2026 Australian Open | TBD | Participation uncertain |
Despite his injury layoff, Kokkinakis maintains a protected ranking, allowing him entry into the singles draw of the Australian Open. He is also slated to play doubles alongside compatriot Nick Kyrgios, giving fans hope to see him in action in at least one event.
Fans Rally Behind Local Favorite
Adelaide holds a special place in Kokkinakis’ heart, making the withdrawal particularly disappointing. The local crowd has consistently supported him, and Kokkinakis expressed his gratitude for their unwavering encouragement.
“The support is always incredible and love playing here. See you next year.”
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