Kokkinakis defeats Safiullin at Australian Open despite injury concerns

Thanasi Kokkinakis overcame injury concerns to defeat Roman Safiullin in a four-set match at the Australian Open, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). Kokkinakis faced shoulder and thigh issues but pushed through to advance. Kokkinakis started strong but struggled with injuries, calling for a medical timeout during the match. Despite discomfort, he won the second and third sets before a tense fourth set went to a tiebreak. After the match, Kokkinakis expressed relief and gratitude to the fans for their support. He will next face Jack Draper, who also has injury concerns, but Kokkinakis plans to focus on recovery first.