‘I have to put myself first’: Injury-plagued Aussie tennis star pulls out of preliminary Australian Open matches
- Thanasi Kokkinakis has said he would not be competing in the Australian Open
- ‘Unfortunately I’ve got some health concerns I need to take care of,’ he said.
- The South Australian world number 199 did not say what the concerns were
- His fans wished him well and a speedy recovery after the announcement
A popular tennis player has pulled out of qualifying matches for the Australian Open due to health concerns.
Thanasi Kokkinakis made the announcement to his fans on Friday, saying he was disappointed he will be missing the Australian Open.
‘Unfortunately I’ve got some health concerns I need to take care of and will have to miss the Australian Open and Aussie summer,’ the 23-year-old wrote.
‘Shattered to miss my favourite part of the year but I have to look after myself first. Always appreciate the continued support.’
Thanasi Kokkinakis announced that he will not be playing in the Australian Open due to injury
The 23-year-old South Australian took to Twitter and shared the devastating news to his fans
The South Australian world number 199 did not specify what his injury is but has had a tough season with injuries to his knee, shoulder, and abdominal issues.
After qualifying for the Australian Open during the main draw in 2019, Kokkinakis quit halfway through the second set of the first round with Japan’s Taro Daniel.
In the US Open last year, Kokkinakis won against the first-round match against world number one Rafael Nadal.
He then pulled out of the competition after suffering through pectoral issues.
His fans responded to his message, wishing him well.
‘Sorry mate. Get better,’ one wrote.
‘Take good care of yourself. Get well soon,’ another wrote.
‘Hope to see you back out there soon Thanasi,’ someone else commented.
‘Bugger you’ve been through so much already. Hope you’re better soon,’ another wrote.
Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia plays a backhand in his match against Peter Polansky of Canada during Qualifying ahead of the 2019 Australian Open