It has been months of injuries, pain, surgeries and uncertainty. But Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis is back and has done so with victory in the doubles draw at the Brisbane tournament alongside compatriot Nick Kyrgios.
But beyond the result (they beat Ebden and Ram 5-7, 6-4, 10-8), the reward for Kokkinakis is to be back playing again after a very tough process that saw him consult numerous medical specialists. “What I’ve been through over the last 12 months is crazy,” the tennis player admitted in a press conference. “I spoke to a lot of surgeons, a lot of doctors, even Rafa’s doctor, and I wasn’t really sure what was going on. It was crazy.”
What I’ve experienced over the last 12 months is crazy. I spoke to a lot of surgeons, a lot of doctors, even Rafa’s
The Australian was suffering from persistent pain in his shoulder and arm, which limited his performance on the court, especially in serving and more powerful shots. “I would play a match, even get a great win, and then my arm was shot for the next rounds,” he admitted.
Tired of not finding a solution, in February 2025 the tennis player underwent surgery never before seen in tennis. “I literally cut half of my pectoral muscle,” explained the Adelaide native. “I had been living with a fibrous scar for five years. Many surgeons told me that the surgery was too risky, that a procedure like this had never been done in tennis. Today I have a deceased person’s Achilles tendon in my arm to reattach the pectoral muscle to my shoulder.”
Many surgeons told me that surgery was too risky, that a procedure like this had never been done in tennis
Despite the uncertainty about the surgery and subsequent recovery, the Australian’s goal was always to get back on track to continue his professional career. “It’s been a really tough year and I’m just trying to take it day by day. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I’ve done everything I can to at least give myself a chance,” Kokkinakis explained.
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