After claiming his first ATP Tour singles title in his hometown of Adelaide, Thanasi Kokkinakis has shared the touching message he received from six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer.
Federer reached out to congratulate Kokkinakis on his victory over Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech to clinch the Adelaide International title, sending a direct message on Instagram.
“Maiden title at home big fella. Love the sound of that Thanaser. Amazing … Keep going,” Federer wrote.
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Kokkinakis shared the exchange on his Instagram story with the message: “He’s still the (goat emoji).”
The 25-year-old defeated Rinderknech in a three-set thriller 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.
Previously hampered by injuries, Kokkinakis subsequently shouted repeatedly in triumph and broke down in tears.
Federer is not competing at this year’s AO as he recovers from knee surgery.
Kokkinakis famously stunned the Swiss champion in 2018, beating him 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) at the Miami Open.
The result ultimately cost Federer the world No.1 ranking.
At No.175, Kokkinakis became the lowest ranked men’s player to down the world No.1.
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