Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis has suffered a setback in his preparations for the French Open after injuring his knee in a fall.
The world No.150 was playing Karen Khachanov in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday. During the match he took a stumble near the back of the court after falling over some advertising. After the match, which he lost 6-4, 7-5, the Australian joked about the incident. Writing on his Twitter account ‘gotta move those’ in reference to the item he fell over.
Oops. 😳#RolexMCMasters pic.twitter.com/j5pPR5Bk4D
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 15 April 2018
Whilst in good humour about the situation, is has come to light that Kokkinakis has suffered an injury to his left knee as a result. Although it is unclear as to how serious it is. One Twitter one user uploaded footage of him moving around the venue on crutches with strapping protecting his knee. That same day he confirmed on social media that he has an injury, but didn’t elaborate any further.
Kokkinakis #Getwellsoon pic.twitter.com/I30WaCmWKN
— missy/ピョル (@missy5around) 16 April 2018
The setback is the latest to affect the injury-prone player. Despite being 22-year-old, he has already undergone shoulder surgery, suffered from torn pectoral problems and groin injuries. Between 2016-2017, he was only able to play in 11 tournaments. One in 2016 and ten in 2017.
Despite the problems, Kokkinakis has been showing signs of returning back to his best this season. At the Miami Open he stunned Roger Federer in three sets to record the biggest win of her career to date (in terms of ranking). Overall, he has won six out of 10 matches played so far this season.
It is unclear is Kokkinakis’ latest injury blow will affect his future schedule on the tour.
