Thanasi Kokkinakis battles injury ahead of US Open

Australian tennis players Thanasi Kokkinakis and Alexei Popyrin face challenges heading into the US Open. Kokkinakis is currently battling an ankle injury sustained during the Cincinnati Masters, which has hindered his ability to participate in practice sessions. The 30-year-old expressed uncertainty regarding his readiness, stating he is in a “race against the clock” to recover and noted that his preparation has been far from ideal.

Kokkinakis is utilizing a protected ranking to compete in the tournament, though he admitted he is unsure if he will be able to play. Meanwhile, Alexei Popyrin enters the event struggling with form, having experienced 15 first-round losses in 2026. Popyrin, currently ranked world No. 130, aims to replicate his successful 2024 US Open run.