Thanasi Kokkinakis picks the player he’d most like a night out with – Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal

by Admin
October 29, 2024

Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis reflected on the careers of the three tennis greats of the last 20 years.

Currently ranked down in 86th, the Australian has seen most of his success on the doubles circuit.

Clinching the Australian Open doubles title with countryman Nick Kyrgios in 2022, the 28-year-old reached the top 15 in 2022.

Despite his doubles exploits proving more fruitful than his singles career, Kokkinakis always presents as a difficult opponent, with his fierce ball-striking a huge weapon.

Having notched up three top 10 wins in his career, the Australian famously managed to beat Roger Federer in the 2018 Miami Open – their only career meeting.

Thanasi Kokkinakis picks which ‘big three’ player is the best for a night out

An immensely successful Junior player, Kokkinakis was tipped for much more than he’s achieved in some ways.

Ranked inside the top 10 and having reached multiple singles finals, and winning the doubles at Wimbledon in 2013.

Arriving on the tour during the height of Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic’s careers, he speculated who he’d most like a night out on the town with.

Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Speaking to Felix Mischker, a fellow ATP professional, he suggested Djokovic’s Olympic celebrations made him the ideal partner for a good night out.

“I heard Rafa doesn’t mind a night out,” he said. “I had one night out with him in Acapulco a while ago at the player’s party thing. I didn’t mind a tequila, obviously within reason within tournament. Fed’s is classy, so a wine or champagne.”

Speaking about the widely circulated footage of Djokovic’s Olympic festivities, he added: “I reckon Novak would be loose! I have seen some videos. I reckon Novak would be a fun night out.”

Where is Thanasi Kokkinakis next playing?

A self-confessed homebody, Kokkinakis has returned to Australia to play a handful of challenger events.

The Australian has beaten Stefanos Tsitsipas, as well as rising stars Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik in the last two months.

However, not playing in the Shanghai or Paris Masters, the Australian is yet to play a singles match since his debut at the Laver Cup in September.

Seeded just behind compatriot Rinki Hijikata, Kokkinakis is set to start his Sydney campaign against Christian Langmo – an American player ranked currently just inside the top 500.