Todd Woodbridge Criticizes Kokkinakis for Exhibition in Russia and Injury Setbacks Ahead of Australian Open
The Australian tennis community is buzzing with debate surrounding Thanasi Kokkinakis, who is once again facing criticism over his recent schedule decisions leading up to the Australian Open 2025. The popular player, known for his immense talent but plagued by injuries, has found himself in the crosshairs of tennis legend Todd Woodbridge. Woodbridge, a seasoned tennis expert, believes Kokkinakis' decision to participate in an exhibition tournament in Russia has raised concerns, adding another layer of controversy to his already turbulent lead-up to the prestigious Grand Slam.
Kokkinakis was in good form at the Adelaide International earlier this year, having defeated top players to reach the quarter-finals. However, his physical setbacks are nothing new. A persistent shoulder issue forced him to pull out of his quarter-final match against American Sebastian Korda, and though the injury wasn’t deemed serious, it added to his growing list of physical challenges. At 28, Kokkinakis is still battling the lingering effects of his earlier injuries, which have hindered his progress despite his immense potential.
Also Read:- Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket: A Historic Launch from Cape Canaveral
- Former Child Star Rory Sykes Tragically Dies in LA Wildfires
Woodbridge, speaking on Wide World of Sports’ "The Morning Serve," expressed his frustration with Kokkinakis' decision-making. According to the tennis great, Kokkinakis sabotaged his chances of a successful Australian Open campaign by choosing to play an exhibition event in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in late 2024. While the financial incentives are tempting, Woodbridge emphasized that this decision came at the cost of a proper pre-season preparation that would have better positioned Kokkinakis for his home Grand Slam.
The timing of the exhibition was especially controversial given that many of Kokkinakis' rivals were either taking a break or focusing on building their fitness for the new season. Woodbridge argued that such an intense schedule only serves to drain the player's energy ahead of a major event like the Australian Open. “Scheduling is a really interesting thing with him,” Woodbridge pointed out. “He needs to rethink his priorities if he is to get the best tennis career out of himself.”
Further compounding the situation is Kokkinakis' withdrawal from the Brisbane International, where he had initially planned to compete. Woodbridge noted the decision to stay in Adelaide and push through his home-town event, which may have been a source of personal pride, but ultimately took a toll on his fitness and led to the shoulder issue. The former tennis star compared Kokkinakis’ situation with that of his fellow Aussie Alex de Minaur, who learned the hard way not to over-extend himself the week before the Australian Open.
In terms of Kokkinakis' Australian Open prospects, Woodbridge believes his early-season form is promising, but the physical strain on his body is worrying. With a tough first-round match-up against Russia's Roman Safiullin ahead of him, Kokkinakis faces an uphill battle to compete at his best while nursing injury concerns. Despite his obvious talent, Woodbridge stressed that time is running out for Kokkinakis to make the most of his career. He urged the young Australian to take a step back and carefully reconsider his approach if he hopes to fulfill his considerable potential in the future.
In the end, the question remains: can Kokkinakis overcome his injury woes and recalibrate his schedule to ensure a successful run at the Australian Open, or will these recurring issues continue to derail his promising career? Only time will tell.
Read More:
0 Comments