Thanasi Kokkinakis in career-first after epic US Open upset as Alex de Minaur fights off rust
The Aussie contingent at the US Open are making a statement.
Thanasi Kokkinakis has arguably produced the best performance of his career to cause a huge US Open upset and defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in round one, while Alex de Minaur fought off rust to also advance. Kokkinakis had the daunting task of facing the No.11 seed in the first round of the US Open in another tough match-up for the Aussie.
And the underdog produced arguably his greatest ever match at a grand slam to defeat Tsitsipas in a brutal four-set encounter that nearly eclipsed four hours. Kokkinakis was absolutely thrilled to have reached the second round and pocket $206,000 for his efforts.
Kokkinakis was famously involved in a six-hour defeat to Andy Murray at the Australian Open in 2023, which left him devastated when he trudged off the court in the early hours of the morning. He also went down to Tsitsipas in a five-set epic a few years ago. And the 28-year-old admitted his hard work is slowly paying off after going down in so many tough epics at grand slams in recent years.
"A massive relief," Kokkinakis said after the victory at Flushing Meadows. "Super happy, super pumped. It's been well documented I've had some tight ones, but I'm starting to get on the winning side of them now."
In big news for Kokkinakis, the Aussie advances in a wide open half of the draw. Kokkinakis' next round opponent is Nuno Borges who is unseeded.
And Kokkinakis could then face fellow Aussie Tristan Schoolkate after his own victory. Schoolkate defeated Taro Daniel and is one match away from setting up an all-Aussie third round clash. Kokkinakis' victory in the first round is also the first time he has won the opening match at all four grand slams in one year.
The Aussie had the support of the crowd in the extreme heat of New York and will take the momentum into the second round. And fortunately for Australia, hours later de Minaur also managed to shake off some rust to defeat American Marcos Giron.
When the draw came out - this was the most obvious potential R1 upset. Thanasi Kokkinakis is always dangerous at slams, and today was no different. A tough draw for #11 Stefanos Tsitsipas for sure. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/SWNqryZ4zf
— Jacob Cersosimo (@JacobCersosimo) August 27, 2024
For the first time in his career, Kokkinakis has won his opening-round match at all four Slams in the one season.
(It's also just the third time he's played all four Slam main draws in one year, too) https://t.co/WUmGsQxwfr— Matt Trollope (@MattyAT) August 27, 2024
Unfortunately with his injury record we haven't seen Thanasi Kokkinakis play to his potential as often as we should have. But a result like this shows how good he can be. https://t.co/wMBR3uVCni
— Michael Shillito (@tealfooty) August 27, 2024
Alex de Minaur returns after hip injury
De Minaur opted to skip the Paris Olympics singles tournament after injuring his hip at Wimbledon ahead of his clash with Novak Djokovic. The Aussie played doubles in Paris, but opted to rest from the singles competition to prepare for the US Open.
And de Minaur had a tricky opponent first up in home star Giron. Fortunately, de Minaur was able to work through the rust and a third-set setback to advance to the second round. He will now take on Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen.
De Minaur could face Dan Evans in the third round, before the draw gets tougher. Like Maya Joint a day earlier, Schoolkate won his opening round match and is set to earn a career-high payday of at least $206,000.
The 23-year-old was left stunned with his victory over Daniel having rallied from two-sets down to advance. "It's fantastic. I'm obviously very happy to get through that match," said the world No.193.
"Especially being down two sets to love, it seems like a long way back. But I thought if I just kept with it and keep myself in the match, there's no time limit in tennis. As long as you're still playing, you've still got a chance."
