Keynote Speaker

Thanasi Kokkinakis

Australian Next-Gen Tennis Player

Fan favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis is adored by fans all over the world. He has an exciting natural ability that showcases his power and athleticism. The charismatic Aussie loves to show his personality on court. At 17 the South Australian announced himself to the world when he defeated Igor Sijsling in his first Grand Slam main draw match at the Australian Open 2014, completing a victory lap in front of a packed Show Court 3 at Melbourne Park. In 2015 he hit a career high of 69.

At the age of 17 Kokkinakis was named in Australia’s Davis Cup team, a level of tennis steeped in tradition, history and national pride. In 2015 Kokkinakis was nominated for the Newcombe Medal, Australian tennis’ highest honour named after the great John Newcombe. Since then Kokkinakis has represented Australia at four Davis Cup ties and was instrumental in the semifinal against Great Britain, defeating Daniel Evans in straight sets. In 2017 Kokkinakis secured his first top 10 win over Milos Raonic at Queen’s and nine months later defeated world No.1 Roger Federer at the Miami Open in March 2018.

The young Australian is popular among the playing group and has great camaraderie with his Australian Davis Cup team mates. He has shared training blocks with Roger Federer early in his career, has also practised and played doubles with Andy Murray and trained with Port Adelaide AFL club. Kokkinakis was selected as a reserve Team World for the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague in 2017 before representing Australia at the Mastercard Hopman Cup with Daria Gavrilova in 2018.