Thanasi Kokkinakis Returns to ATP Tour at Adelaide International

Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis is set to make his long-awaited return to the ATP Tour at the Adelaide International on January 11, 2026. After taking a year off due to a serious injury, Kokkinakis will face American player Sebastian Korda in his first tour-level singles match since his exit at the Australian Open in January 2025 against Jack Draper.

Comeback Journey After Surgery

Kokkinakis, who underwent rare surgery on his right pectoral muscle in February 2025, has been in rehabilitation for the past year. The procedure involved an Achilles allograft to reattach his pectoral muscle to his shoulder, a strategy seldom employed in professional tennis. Reflecting on the challenges of recovery, Kokkinakis noted, “Just being back and getting to this point is not even something I was sure of.”

During his time off the Tour, Kokkinakis explored other interests, briefly dabbling with DJ decks and indulging in video games, particularly NBA2K. “I played a lot of NBA2K. I get pretty competitive there,” he shared, highlighting how he sought to maintain a competitive spirit outside of tennis. Despite his experiments with music, he humorously remarked, “I’m a long way off [releasing a track], that’s probably post-career, I think!”

As the ATP Tour continued without him, Kokkinakis remained somewhat engaged with the sport, catching key matches and communicating with fellow players, particularly his Australian compatriots. He expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about returning to the court, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his performance after such a long hiatus.

A Milestone Match Ahead

The upcoming match against Korda represents more than just a return; it is a significant milestone in Kokkinakis’ career. His last competitive outing was marred by injury, and now he aims to re-establish himself in the rankings. “I don’t know if I can get through a match, or get through a couple of matches, I really don’t know,” he explained. “I’ve done everything training-wise to give myself a chance to be here, and that in itself is a win.”

Kokkinakis, once ranked as high as No. 65 in the world, won his only tour-level title in Adelaide in 2022, making this event particularly meaningful for his comeback. He noted the unique challenges of being away from competition, stating, “It’s definitely tricky. You get itchy feet a little bit, being in the same place.”

As he prepares for his match, the atmosphere in Adelaide is buzzing with anticipation. Kokkinakis expressed gratitude for the support of local fans and the thrill of competing again, saying, “It’s good just being here and even just playing some practice sets, seeing some crowds and hearing cheering.”

With the Adelaide International set to kick off, all eyes will be on Kokkinakis as he embarks on this next chapter in his career, hoping to overcome the hurdles of the past year and make a successful return to professional tennis.