With his home Slam, the Australian Open, on the horizon, Thanasi Kokkinakis is looking to warm up. Merely days ahead of the Melbourne Major, the Aussie found it best to test his luck at the Adelaide International first. His form will be under the microscope, as he prepares to square off against Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka in the event’s Round of 32 on Monday, January 6.

Nishioka vs Kokkinakis: Preview

Nishioka lands in Adelaide on the back of a hard-fought Round of 16 loss at the season-opening Brisbane International. Despite qualifying for the ATP 250 tournament and winning the opening tie, the Japanese player was sent packing by Jiri Lehecka. He fought valiantly throughout the contest but ultimately, bowed to the Czech sensation in three sets.

Meanwhile, Kokinakkis has arrived for the Adelaide event for his season-opening act. This will account for his first appearance for the year as he missed the Brisbane event. However, the Aussie’s last recorded performance in the 2024 season was worth noting. He lifted the Challenger Sydney title after overpowering countryman Rinky Hijikata in straight sets.

Nishioka vs Kokinakkis: Head-to-Head

Both players have been regulars on the ATP Tour, with their tour-level participation covering almost every top-tier event. Despite that, the duo has never locked horns against each other on the circuit. As a result, their head-to-head tally reads 0-0. Their maiden encounter is due to be witnessed in Adelaide.

Prediction: Kokkinakis to win in three sets

Kokkinakis started the 2024 calendar year strong. He finished quarterfinalist in Los Cabos and later, reached the last eight of a Challenger event in Phoenix. The Aussie star added his first silverware of the season after winning in Sarasota. Though his performance on the Grand Slam stage remained underwhelming at best, Kokinakkis was able to maintain a modest showing in a handful of tour-level events.

Nishioka, on the other hand, did not enjoy a terrific start to the 2024 season. After a string of premature exits, the Japanese finally found his footing during the grasscourt swing. He reached the final eight of Wimbledon’s warm-up event, the Eastbourne International, and later, finessed his impressive skillset by landing a runner-up finish at the Atlanta Open. Other than these results, the 29-year-old couldn’t surpass the third round of any ATP event.

Kokkinakis’ aggressive gameplay, based on his big serve and forehand, could seriously deafen Nishioka’s chances in Adelaide. Moreover, the 28-year-old Australian sensation flaunts a better experience on the tour, despite his recent appearances mostly restricted to the Challenger circuit.

The Round of 32 at the Adelaide International should see Kokkinakis advance but his victory likely won’t come without facing resistance from Nishioka. The Aussie is likely to win the match in a three setter and advance to the second round.