The tale of Thanasi Kokkinakis' resurrection from tennis obscurity has a new chapter. He promised to return before the Australian Open and, true to his word, he led Australia to the third consecutive Davis Cup 2022 finals with a stunning victory against Hungary. During the critical fifth match at Ken Rosewell Stadium, Kokkinakis defeated Zsombor Piros 6-4, 6-4 in the deciding qualifying singles round.
It was an emotional moment for Kokkinakis who won his first match for Australia since defeating Britain's Dan Evans back in 2015.
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Alex De Minaur set the tone with a 7-6, 6-4 victory over Marton Fucsovics before Kokkinakis secured the triumph.
Read more: Davis Cup 2022: Full schedule and fixture
What does Kokkinakis have to say after such a glorioius David Cup 2022 success?
"I had full confidence in the guys. Demon's our leader, unbelievable from him and I had to do my part. To play a fifth rubber at home, it's incredible. I get nervous but knowing these guys come out here and give it their all every time. It makes me want to perform," he expressed.
Following a long time of injury, Kokkinakis has returned to form, winning the ATP tournament in Adelaide in January and the Australian Open doubles with Nick Kyrgios.
"I couldn't have asked for more to start the year. Davis Cup's so different – in those ATP tournaments, you're playing for yourself. Having this support is unreal," concluded Kokkinakis.
The group stage of the finals will take place in September, with the knockouts following in late November.
Greece's national team has also qualified for the Davis Cup play-offs' 20th semifinal round. Stefanos' brother, Petros Tsitsipas, was the one to push the team through with a 4-6,6-4,6-4 victory over Jamaican Rowland Phillips.