Thanasi Kokkinakis Battles Tentativity on Grass Courts in Wimbledon Comeback

Thanasi Kokkinakis openly acknowledges his struggle with tentativity on grass courts, likening his play to that of Bambi navigating ice. This unease stems from past injuries, notably a slip at a Challenger tournament two years ago in Surbiton that resulted in a sprained MCL in his knee. Unfortunately, history repeated itself at Queen's Club recently, where he faced another setback with a similar MCL issue in his left knee, hampering his Wimbledon preparations.

Arriving at SW19, the Australian tennis player, ranked 93 globally, readies himself for a challenging first-round encounter against the 17th-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime. Despite the obstacles, Kokkinakis remains determined to push past any doubts, emphasizing his ongoing rehabilitation efforts to regain optimal physical condition after sustaining the injury at Queen’s Club just weeks before Wimbledon.

“The grass can be treacherous,” Kokkinakis admits, reflecting on his previous injury and the caution it instilled in him. “I have to be cautious, especially here at Wimbledon, ensuring I reach the starting line with my health intact.” While he wishes for more match practice, he remains focused on channeling confidence and adapting his game for the unique challenges presented by grass courts.

Having faced Auger-Aliassime for the first time in their delayed Wimbledon clash, Kokkinakis finds himself trailing by two sets. However, displaying resilience and determination, he managed to claw back a set, keeping the match alive as they gear up to resume play after a temporary suspension due to fading light.

As Kokkinakis navigates his return to competitive tennis on the grass courts of Wimbledon, his journey is closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. With the support of his team and the determination to overcome his tentativity, the Australian athlete strives to make his mark in the prestigious tournament, showcasing his talent and grit on the international stage.