Kokkinakis hopes to ride winning momentum in Adelaide

Thanasi Kokkinakis made a triumphant return to his hometown in South Australia, as he defeated compatriot John Millman in the first round of the ATP Adelaide International.

Kokkinakis pulled off the 6-4 6-3 victory to advance to the second round, where he'll face American Frances Tiafoe.

“I love coming back here. I haven’t been home here in 12 months,” Kokkinakis said in his on-court interview. “It was a grueling year travelling but I’m so happy to play my first professional tournament here in front of my home fans.

“To play a real meaningful tournament and beat such a quality opponent, a proven veteran like Johnny, means a lot. I played great and the support was great so yeah, (I’m) really, really happy.”

Currently ranked at World No.433, the Adelaide native is hoping to build off this momentum as he attempts to climb back up the rankings.

“I worked really hard in the off-season and I had a lot of continuity week after week. My new trainer Johnno (fitness coach Johnny Parkes) has been massive,” Kokkinakis related.

“I’m hoping for a big year and I’m hoping to keep this momentum going. I feel great. I feel mentally refreshed, physically refreshed and I’m hoping this year’s not going to be as much of a grind as last year, but I’m willing to do what it takes to hopefully reach my potential.”