Roger Federer encourages Thanasi Kokkinakis after a comeback win

Struggling with numerous injuries over the last couple of years, Thanasi Kokkinakis couldn't show his full potential regularly and settle into the top-50, where he belongs.

The 24-year-old Aussie hadn't played since September 2019 until the beginning of the new season, returning to the court at the Murray River Open next week and losing to Alex Bolt in three sets. Receiving the Australian Open wild card, Thanasi scored his first Melbourne victory in six years following a dominant 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 win over Soonwoo Kwon in an hour and 33 minutes.

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The Adelaide native fired 19 aces and dropped only 11 points behind the initial shot, dealing with only one break chance and keeping the serve intact. The pressure was on the Korean, who couldn't endure it, suffering six breaks from seven opportunities offered to the Aussie to propel Thanasi into the second round. Kokkinakis hit 30 winners and only 13 unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely to sail into the second round.

In 2018, Kokkinakis stunned world no. 1 Roger Federer in Miami, and the great Swiss has continued to watch the youngster's progress since then. On Tuesday, Federer acknowledged Thanasi's victory, sending him an Instagram message and saying he is happy to see him winning again.

José Morgado

@josemorgado

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Roger Federer sliding into Kokkinakis Instagram DMs after Thanasi’s win today. Very nice touch.

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