Thanasi Kokkinakis says he is physically ready for the Australian Open tennis after a 14-month lay-off.
The 24-year-old was diagnosed with glandular fever and lost 14 kilograms in the past year.
He says he’s been playing small tournament matches in Melbourne and his body is in the best shape it’s been in for a long time.
“Obviously playing eight matches in nine days the last couple of weeks from not playing any tournaments through the whole year is definitely a challenge and you’re going to feel little niggles here and there – but that’s expected,” Kokkinakis says.
“The challenge for me is separating the niggles to [sic] when it’s actually a serious injury, but I think I don’t have any of those right now and I’m feeling really good.”
February 1 is firming as the likely Australian Open start date, but the Victorian government expects players will serve 14 days in quarantine before beginning their preparation for the grand slam.
