Thanasi Kokkinakis confirms when he plans to return to tennis as he provides latest injury update

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Popular Australian star Thanasi Kokkinakis could be nearing a return after a long injury layoff.

Earlier this year, the 29-year-old played his part in a classic at the Australian Open, when Kokkinakis lost to Jack Draper 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 5-7, 3-6.

Unfortunately for Kokkinakis, he reaggravated an injury during the match, which required surgery.

Kokkinakis hasn’t been seen on court since, missing the final three Grand Slams of the year.

However, in positive news, the former Australian Open doubles champion has now confirmed his plans for a return to the ATP Tour.

Thanasi Kokkinakis plans to return at the 2026 Adelaide International

Appearing as a guest on the latest episode of ‘The Tennis’, Kokkinakis shared an update on his recovery from injury.

“It’s good. It’s been eight months since I had the surgery or since I hit a ball. It’s the longest I have never touched a racket for. I went back on court at the end of last week, and I’m starting to train up again really lightly, but better than I expected so far,” he said.

“It’s a pretty full-on surgery, so I’m happy to get back on court, and I was getting the urge. I was over in Europe, and the last few weeks I was like I’m ready to get back and get into it.”

Kokkinakis was then asked when he plans to make his return to the ATP Tour.

“It’s a big question because there are things that I can do 100% I think relatively soon, but I think the hard bit is going to be serving and playing practice matches, and that will be the tough part,” he said.

“If that goes well, I am hoping January. So fingers crossed, I would love to return in Adelaide, but we will see how we go.”

It’s no surprise that Kokkinakis wants to make his return at the Adelaide International, given the success he’s enjoyed at the event over recent years.

The Australian won his maiden ATP title at the event in 2022, battling back from a set down to defeat Arthur Rinderknech, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, in the final.

He also made a strong start in Adelaide this year, taking down Yoshihito Nishioka and Tomas Martin Etcheverry en route to the quarterfinals, before withdrawing due to injury.

If he is fit to return at his home tournament next year, you wouldn’t want to bet against Kokkinakis making another deep run.

Where will Thanasi Kokkinakis be ranked when he returns to tennis?

Unfortunately for Kokkinakis, as he has missed the majority of the 2025 season, he’s taken a tumble down the rankings.

The Australian now sits outside the world’s top 200, but will likely drop to around 400th by the end of the year.

Kokkinakis wouldn’t qualify for any ATP events with his current ranking, so he will likely apply for a protected ranking.

In men’s tennis, a protected ranking is calculated using the player’s average ranking over three months following their injury.

In Kokkinakis’ case, that number comes to 93 (approximated), which should see him directly qualify for Grand Slam main draws.

Players can then use their protected ranking to enter nine tournaments as they look to build their ‘real’ ranking back up.

As Kokkinakis would likely be awarded wild cards for the Adelaide International and Australian Open, he may start to use his protected ranking at the ‘Sunshine Double’ Masters 1000 events, at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

It was at the Miami Open where Kokkinakis scored the biggest win of his professional career, defeating world number one Roger Federer in the second round of the 2018 tournament.

If he can rediscover that level in 2026, then it surely won’t be too long until we see Kokkinakis return to the top 100.

Kokkinakis will first set his sights on the Adelaide International, which is scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026.