Thanasi Kokkinakis Stuns Stefanos Tsitsipas in Thrilling First-Round Victory at US Open 2024
In a sensational start to the 2024 US Open, Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis pulled off a stunning upset by defeating world No. 11 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round. Kokkinakis, who has battled numerous injuries throughout his career, showed remarkable resilience and determination, winning the match in four sets: 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. This victory not only marks one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far but also signals Kokkinakis’ intent to make up for lost time on the tennis court.
The match, which lasted just shy of four hours, was a physical and mental battle. Kokkinakis fired 47 winners, including 17 aces, showcasing the powerful game that has long made him a player to watch. Despite losing the second set, he remained composed, capitalizing on a faltering Tsitsipas serve at a crucial moment in the fourth set to seal the win. The Australian’s triumph was a testament to his perseverance, especially considering his history of injuries that have repeatedly stalled his career.
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Kokkinakis’ victory is his first at the US Open in five years, and he couldn’t hide his elation as he collapsed onto his back in celebration on the Grandstand court. With the support of his team, including former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, Kokkinakis expressed his relief and excitement after the match, acknowledging the hard-fought nature of the win. "I had a five-set battle with him a couple of years ago at the Australian Open, and I was expecting a war," Kokkinakis said, reflecting on his past encounters with Tsitsipas. "I’ve missed a lot of my career through injuries, so I’m just trying to make the most of whatever time I have left and keep hustling."
The victory was a highlight in what was a successful day for Australian players at Flushing Meadows. Jordan Thompson cruised through his match against Constant Lestienne with a straight-sets win, and wildcard Tristan Schoolkate battled back from two sets down to secure his first Grand Slam win against Japan’s Taro Daniel. Additionally, Australia’s top-ranked player, Alex de Minaur, advanced to the second round after a hard-fought four-set win over American Marcos Giron.
Kokkinakis’ performance at the US Open is a continuation of his impressive form this year. Prior to the US Open, he took Felix Auger-Aliassime to five sets at Wimbledon and pushed top-10 player Hubert Hurkacz to three sets at the Montreal Masters. With these strong showings, Kokkinakis has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with when fully fit.
Looking ahead, Kokkinakis will face either Nuno Borges or Federico Coria in the second round. Despite his underdog status, Kokkinakis remains confident in his game and is determined to keep pushing forward. "This is why you play – to play on big stadiums in massive cities," he said, savoring the moment. "Every match means a lot, and sometimes, you have to celebrate even the small victories."
As the 2024 US Open continues, all eyes will be on Kokkinakis to see if he can continue his giant-killing run and make a deep push into the tournament. For now, his victory over Tsitsipas stands as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the enduring spirit of an athlete determined to reclaim his place among the tennis elite.
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