"Probably the bigger A-lister movie star there is": Thanasi Kokkinakis left star struck with glitz and glamour style Indian Wells preparation

Thanasi Kokkinakis is currently facing Jannik Sinner as of time of writing in the second round, but after losing at the Mexican Open, the Aussie ace was set for a different type of experience as he was mingling with Hollywood royalty in Los Angeles.

Out for a training block with Novak Djokovic, he was practicing on the courts of Beverly Hills and said that in came Leonardo DiCaprio and Dr Phil and he was left flabbergasted. He saw off Marcos Giron in the opening round in Indian Wells, but is looking likely to be defeated by Sinner as of time of writing.

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“I practiced with Novak for a day or two, again in Beverly Hills, at another private house,” Kokkinakis told The AO Show podcast.  

“I remember I was warming up, and I go to pick up my bag, and Dr. Phil’s just there with a face full of makeup. I think he just came from a show.”

“Forty-five minutes into the hit, the front door opens up, and I just said I can’t believe what I’ve just seen, Leonardo DiCaprio walks in,” Kokkinakis said.

“Probably the biggest A-lister movie star there is.”

“You don’t get too many of those courts in Australia,” he said.

“It’s insane to practice there, some of the spots in LA, it’s great to recharge.”

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