Thanasi Kokkinakis will appear at the Laver Cup for the first time since 2017 as he prepares to help Team World overpower Team Europe this week.
Named after Australia's legendary tennis icon, Rod Laver, the Laver Cup will enter its seventh tournament edition, to be held in Berlin, Germany.
Kokkinakis arrives in top form, defeating Frenchman Arthur Fils and Czechia's Jakub Menšík in the Davis Cup group stage phase in Valencia to steer Australia to another finals appearance later this year.
The 28-year-old South Australian was on standby for the Laver Cup inaugural event, but he is excited to surround himself with an enthralling event and hopes to play a part on the court this time around.
"It’s a sick event," Kokkinakis told the Laver Cup media team, drawing to his experience in Prague seven years ago. “I don’t think anyone knew what to expect, but it was cool. [An] all-black court, new vibe, new atmosphere. It’s just taken off since."
"Who knew six years later that I’d have the opportunity to play. To get a call up… I couldn’t be happier. I got the offer, and I [said], ‘I’m not turning this down’."
Also joining Kokkinakis to complete Team World are Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Francisco Cerundolo and Alejandro Tabilo.
"I’ve got to do my job on the court… hopefully we can get rowdy," said Kokkinakis. "I like having a bit more fun with my mates on the sideline. A lot of these boys I get along with really well, some of my closest mates on tour."
Captaining Team World for the seventh time is John McEnroe, who hit with a then 14-year-old Kokkinakis at the World Tennis Challenge in Adelaide.
"I played a couple of sets with him; it was a pretty fun time. What better guy to lead the team?” Kokkinakis said, praising the seven-time Grand Slam winner for guiding Team Europe across the line on two seperate occasions.
The Laver Cup commences Friday September 20 at 9pm AEST and concludes Sunday September 22. Watch every ball live on Stan Sport.
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