Former world No. 8 Mark Philippoussis has predicted another breakout year for Thanasi Kokkinakis after becoming an informal mentor to the South Australian.
Kokkinakis, 19, is one of only three teenagers in the world top 100 at No. 80 and has become close mates with Philippoussis, who has become an informal mentor to his fellow Greek-Australian.
They have much in common. Philippoussis was twice a crucial member and hero of successful Davis Cup triumphs while Kokkinakis has made it will be a priority in his annual scheduling.
They also share games based on booming serves and big forehands.
Philippoussis said Kokkinakis had all the attributes to take the next leap in his career this season and become a second-week player at the majors.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Thanasi and getting to know him and he’s a great kid,” Philippoussis said.
“He works his butt off and he’s got a huge future ahead of him.
“You can tell he’s going to be a very strong, muscular player and has big things in store, I believe.
“It will be exciting to sit back and watch him.”
Philippoussis dismissed the suggestion Kokkinakis would struggle with the attention directed at him, Nick Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic and Sam Groth as a success-starved Australian tennis public yearns for another great era.
Lleyton Hewitt, who has carried the load of Australian men’s tennis for years, will retire after next year’s Australian Open and then concentrate on Davis Cup captain duties and there’s a sense of expectation of good years to come.
But Philippoussis said the expectations should be embraced rather than shunned.
“There’s no pressure. For people to have expectations on you is a beautiful thing, but in the end it’s up to him how he does and how hard he works and how much he wants it,” Kokkinakis said. “But I believe that he can improve a lot even though he’s pretty rounded.
“He’s just going to get better. He’s strong and he had a breakout year when people started to notice him.
“I believe next year he’s going to have an even bigger year. The world is his oyster.”
Philippoussis will team up with Kokkinakis at next year’s World Tennis Challenge at Memorial Drive.
At 39, Philippoussis continues to live the life of a touring pro, mixing team tennis with the champions tour and travelling from his base in San Diego, California, for about 20 weeks of the year.
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