It's been an interesting two seasons for Thanasi Kokkinakis. In 2020, the Australian did not play a single match due to a right shoulder injury. Last season, the 25-year-old competed in only five ATP events and the four Grand Slams, opting to focus on Challenger tournaments. Now, with the 2022 season ramping up, Kokkinakis is sharing what motivates him moving forward.

"Coming back on tour, it was about getting my match fitness and match rhythm back. I missed obviously a lot of time with my injuries...it's a big adjustment for me being ready to play week-in and week-out," Kokkinakis said in an ATP video. "Mentally, it's obviously a tricky one and that's what has probably taken the biggest toll. For me, it's remembering where I was and when I was healthy and how I could play, those are the kinds of things that are keeping me going."

In 2021, the Australian reached two Challenger finals, winning the Biella 6 final against Enzo Couacaud. This was his first title from any tour since October 2018 when he won the Las Vegas Challenger trophy. Winning in Italy might have been the boost he needed to believe that 2022 will be a career-defining season.

"What can I expect from the future? Hopefully a good ranking, a guy who is pretty happy and positive on court, brings good energy, and try and have no regrets when I look back...hopefully some good results and someone that the people in the crowd like watching."

So far, Kokkinakis is already living up to his potential. The 25-year-old defeated Frances Tiafoe 3-6, 7-5, 6-1, to reach Adelaide's quarterfinals where he will face Mikael Ymer for a spot in the final four.

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