Kokkinakis wins maiden ATP title in hometown Adelaide

It had to be this way for Thanasi Kokkinakis who finally lifted his first ATP trophy, a good 7 years after he broke into the top 100 for the first time. It's been a long journey but the Australian, who is finally healthy and playing, capped off a great week on Australian soil with a trophy. Playing in Adelaide is a huge comfort for Kokikkinakis as he was born and raised in the city.

The comfort level was visible all week long and it continued in the final as well. He did not lose hope when he lost the first set against a very good Rinderknech. The Frenchman has a devastating first serve that bailed him out a lot in the first set, even when he was being outplayed in the rallies. As time went on, Kokkinakias found ways around it.

The Australian played a very good 2nd set patiently waiting for his chance. It only came in the tiebreak of the 2nd set but it was worth the wait. He took it and won the second set forcing a decider where all the momentum was on his side. It showed as he took an early 2-0 lead at the start and he never looked back. Ultimately he finished it off with 6-3 for the great victory.

A truly majestic week for Kokkinakis who will return to the top 100 with this triumph. Congratulations.