Kokkinakis ready to shine again 

Show Court 3 brings back fond memories for Thanasi Kokkinakis. It was on Melbourne Park’s fourth biggest court that he experienced one of the more memorable moments of his young career, overcoming then world No.13 Ernests Gulbis 8-6 in the fifth set, sparking scenes of jubilation as he embarked on a lap of honour around the stands.

It was one of the defining moments of the 2015 Australian Open, and it also marks the last time Kokkinakis appeared at his home Slam. Shoulder surgery was the start of it, and then a groin injury hampered him further. Now here we are, three years later, and the entertaining Aussie is ready to go again.

A primetime win over Alexander Zverev at Hopman Cup showed what he is capable of, and he opens today against Sydney champion Daniil Medvedev, a fellow rising star of the men’s game. The Show Court 3 stage is set once more.