He has scored just three wins over top-20 players at Grand Slams throughout his career, the first of those coming almost a decade ago against Ernests Gulbis at Australian Open 2015.

But his most recent two have come at the past two majors – first after saving match points to beat world No.17 Felix Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon, and now over Tsitsipas, who has been a top-10 player for the bulk of the past five years.

“I’ve had a couple – a lot – of tight losses when I’ve been in winning positions, so that one’s just all relief,” said Kokkinakis, who fell to Tsitsipas in five sets in the second round of AO 2021.

“I missed a lot of my career through the middle period, so I’m just trying to make up for whatever I have left, and just keep hustling and see how we go.

“I have the ultimate belief in my game. I felt like my body was holding me back for a long period of time.

“But everyone’s so good here. Stacked top to bottom; honestly, No.1 player in the world to 200, everyone’s a really good player, and if you’re not bringing your best you can lose on any given day.

“So (I’m) not taking it for granted, just trying to go as well as I can and put as much effort into this sport as I have. I’ve maybe taken it for granted a little bit in the past when I was a bit younger, so just giving it a go.”

Addressing the crowd, Kokkinakis added: “This is why you play – to play in front of you guys on big stadiums in massive cities. So yeah, incredible feeling.”

Indeed, when Kokkinakis was younger, things came easier.

Blessed with power, athleticism and prodigious talent, he was a junior finalist at both the Australian and US Opens in 2013, and quickly transitioned to the pro ranks.