“I’ll play some WWE and try to rest”: Thanasi Kokkinakis shares his post-match relaxation plan after three-hour victory
ATP
Thanasi Kokkinakis emerged victorious in a gruelling three-hour battle against Tomas Martin Etcheverry (No. 39), sealing the match in a third-set tie-break with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) at Adelaide International
The Australian, ranked No. 77, closed his 2024 season with a Challenger 75 Sydney title and now boasts two consecutive wins in his first tournament of the year. After defeating Yoshito Nishioka (No. 63) in the opening round 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, he overcame the talented Argentine and 8th seed in this thrilling encounter.
Kokkinakis charmed the local crowd with his remarkable win and shared a humorous moment when explaining how he planned to relax after the exhausting three-hour, two-minute match: “I’ll try to get some sleep; it’s a little tough with the adrenaline. But I’ll play some WWE and try to rest the eyes a bit!”
The Australian has shown a fondness for WWE in the past, particularly after winning the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles alongside Nick Kyrgios. The duo received custom WWE belts from WWE Australia as a gift. “Someone put me through a table already,” Kokkinakis joked upon receiving the belts three years ago.
In the quarterfinals, Kokkinakis faces a tough challenge against second seed Sebastian Korda (No. 22). The American has won all three of their previous encounters, the latest at the DC Open, where Kokkinakis was forced to retire due to an injury. “I had match points on him in Washington, and he shanked a ball past me on the line and won the match and the tournament,” Kokkinakis said. “So, that one I still kind of got demons about, to be honest.”
He only does thrillers 😉@TKokkinakis comes through a 3 hour marathon with Etcheverry 7-5 4-6 7-6 in Adelaide#AdelaideTennis pic.twitter.com/FEW8bIwsgS
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 8, 2025
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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