“I couldn’t have asked for more to start the year" - says Kokkinakis after lifting Australia past Hungary in Davis Cup

Thanasi Kokkinakis played a very crucial role in Australia's rally against Hungary in the Davis Cup Finals qualifier with the Australian delivering the final 3rd point.

Written off as a top-flight prospect after spending six years outside the top 100 dealing with repeated injuries, the comeback kid is now Australia’s latest Davis Cup hero. Kokkinakis completed Australia’s comeback win in Sydney on Saturday night with a 6-4 6-4victory over Hungarian Zsombor Piros, after a shock doubles defeat left the host nation in danger of being eliminated.

The proud moment sits alongside Kokkinakis’ 2022 Australian Open doubles title with Nick Kyrgios and breakthrough Adelaide tournament win a fortnight earlier in what’s been a remarkable year. Following the match he said:

“I couldn’t have asked for more to start the year. Davis Cup is so different. In those singles tournaments, ATPs, you’re playing for yourself. Here, it feels like you’ve got the whole country backing you and supporting you."

He further said:

“It’s a different type of pressure, but it’s something that if we want to play how we want to play on the big stage, you’ve got to get used to. To have this support is unreal, so to play at home was sick.”