Australian Tennis Star Thanasi Kokkinakis Contemplates Future After Injury Setback
The Australian Open has delivered another crushing blow to Thanasi Kokkinakis, with the 29-year-old tennis professional now facing what he describes as a "serious break" from the sport following a debilitating shoulder injury. This latest physical setback occurred during his brief appearance at Melbourne Park, casting significant doubt over his competitive future and prompting deep reflection about his career trajectory.
Injury Woes Derail Australian Summer Campaign
Kokkinakis' troublesome shoulder, which first forced his withdrawal from the Adelaide International earlier this month, flared up dramatically during what would become his final match of the tournament. The South Australian athlete had already made the agonising decision to skip the singles competition at the Australian Open due to ongoing fitness concerns, hoping instead to compete in the doubles event alongside his longtime partner Nick Kyrgios.
"I think I'm going to be on ice for a while," Kokkinakis revealed in a post-match assessment. "I don't want to play another match feeling like that ever again, so I will take a serious break. I'm in no way, shape or form ready to compete at this level."
This represents a particularly cruel twist for the athlete who spent nearly twelve months sidelined following pectoral surgery in February of last year. The recurrence of serious injury issues has left him contemplating another extended period away from professional tennis, with the spectre of potential retirement now looming larger than ever before.
Special K's Partnership Hampered by Physical Limitations
The much-anticipated reunion of the "Special K's" partnership that famously delivered a doubles title at Melbourne Park in 2022 ultimately proved unsuccessful, with both players battling significant physical limitations throughout their opening round match. Kokkinakis and Kyrgios faced countrymen Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans in a tense encounter that stretched to three sets before concluding in a heartbreaking defeat.
Kokkinakis required a medical timeout when the pair led 4-1 in the deciding set, receiving treatment that temporarily alleviated his discomfort. However, this interruption seemed to shift momentum decisively, with Kubler and Polmans fighting back to force a tiebreaker before ultimately securing victory with a scoreline of 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10-4).
"Unfortunately, they saw probably a couple of shadows of our former selves," Kokkinakis lamented regarding the enthusiastic crowd that had gathered to support them. "That's what's tough - when you're not quite there. The crowd's incredible. That's why we play here. They're phenomenal. They were getting up and about, but we couldn't get over the line."
Personal Life Provides Solace Amid Professional Turmoil
Following his disappointing exit from the tournament, Kokkinakis was spotted enjoying the streets of Melbourne with his glamorous model partner Paige Henry. The couple, who have reportedly been dating since February of last year, were seen taking a leisurely stroll through the affluent suburb of South Yarra while deeply engaged in conversation and sharing a Boost Juice beverage.
Observers noted Henry wrapping her arm around the athlete's shoulders in what appeared to be a gesture of consolation following his latest competitive disappointment. The model, who is represented by Chadwick Models in Australia and Elite Model Management internationally, divides her time between London, Australia, and New Zealand, describing herself as a frequent traveller.
This relationship began following Kokkinakis' separation from Melbourne influencer Hannah Dal Sasso in September 2024, ending an eighteen-month partnership. The tennis star had previously fuelled speculation about his new romance by reposting an intimate street photograph of the pair to his Instagram story last February, confirming their connection to curious followers.
Uncertain Future Looms for Injury-Plagued Athlete
As Kokkinakis prepares for another round of medical interventions, including scheduled injections he had arranged to receive after the tournament concluded, the fundamental question remains whether his body can withstand the rigours of professional tennis competition. The athlete's admission that he and Kyrgios played like "shadows of our former selves" speaks volumes about the physical toll exacted by persistent injury concerns.
"We were trying to do as much as we could," Kokkinakis reflected. "I gave it whatever I could and I know Nick did as well. It's annoying because they come out and support ... but unfortunately we were just hobbled, so it kinda sucks."
With his competitive future hanging in the balance and another extended rehabilitation period on the horizon, Kokkinakis now faces perhaps the most challenging crossroads of his professional career. The coming months will determine whether this latest setback represents a temporary interruption or a more permanent conclusion to what has been a rollercoaster journey through the upper echelons of international tennis.
