‘Stoked’: Kokkinakis hungry for Davis Cup action after seven-year absence
Alex De Minaur and Thanasi Kokkinakis will spearhead Australia’s bid to reach the Davis Cup Finals later this year when they take on Hungary in this weekend’s qualifying tie in Sydney.
De Minaur, the Australian No.1, will open against Zsombor Piros on Friday evening before Australian Open doubles champion Kokkinakis meets World No.35 Marton Fuscovics in his first Davis Cup match since 2015 in front of a near sold-out stadium.
After struggling with injuries for most of his career, Kokkinakis is “stoked” to represent his nation once again.
“It’s a pretty cool feeling,” he said to reporters at the draw. “I jumped at the opportunity when [captain] Lleyton [Hewitt] asked me.”
Kokkinakis says his maiden singles title in Adelaide and his doubles triumph with Nick Kyrgios this summer have given him extra confidence heading into the tie.
“I worked so hard, grinding it out last year to get back to this point,” Kokkinakis said. “I’m going to try to get out there, compete hard and hopefully get the job done.”
Raring to go: Australia’s Davis Cup team face Hungary in a qualifier this weekend.Credit:Getty
Sydney-born De Minaur has dubbed Ken Rosewall Arena, where he won his first title in 2019, his favourite court, and is looking forward to his maiden Davis Cup tie in his home city.
“Just to play in front of family and friends, [I’ve] played some of my best tennis on that court, it’s going to be very special,” De Minaur said.
Australia won a tightly contested tie against Hungary at the Davis Cup Finals only a few months ago and Hewitt is expecting another tough battle this week.
“[Last year], it was bloody high-quality tennis, all three rubbers so we’re expecting nothing less this weekend,” Hewitt said. “The guys have to bring their A-game. There’s no greater honour for us than putting on the green and gold.”
While admitting his side were underdogs, Fuscovics warned his team was more than capable of causing a surprise.
“The Australian team is one of the best in the world. It’s going to be a tough match. But we came here to win,” Fuscovics said. “We’d like to show our best tennis and give 100 percent.”
Rain has hindered Australia’s preparation and Hewitt says their thoughts will be with victims of flooding around Australia this week.
“It’s been tough on our preparation in terms of court time and practices. But that’s the smallest issue compared to what’s going on in Queensland and country New South Wales. Our thoughts and prayers are with those people out there.”
For the Hungarians, tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to dominate their thoughts. However they will try not to let it distract them during the tie.
“It was strange to see the news. They are scared, and it’s really close to Hungary,” said captain Zoltan Nagy. “We are sportsmen, so we have to take care of our level so we try to forget it for these two days, but we want the world to be calm.”
John Peers and Luke Saville are scheduled to play the doubles rubber against Fuscovics and Fabian Marozsan on Saturday before De Minaur faces Fuscovics and Kokkinakis plays Piros.
Australia’s Davis Cup tie against Hungary will be broadcast live from Ken Rosewall Arena on 9GEM from 5pm on Friday and 1pm on Saturday.
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