'TRYING TO HOST EVERY GAME SHOW UNDER THE SUN': KOKKINAKIS FIRES BACK AT WOODBRIDGE

Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis hit back at Todd Woodbridge concerning his scheduling decision-making, claiming he is "trying to make a living as much as he is".

The 28-year-old rallied back from a one-set deficit to reach the second-round of the Australian Open, defeating Russia's Roman Safiullin.

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At the start of 2025, Kokkinakis pulled out of the Brisbane International due to a hip issue before withdrawing from his quarter-final in Adelaide one week later.

Kokkinakis' scheduling has always come under the microscope, with suggestions he burns himself out for the commencement of the year's first Grand Slam.

Last month, he decided to participate in an exhibition held in Russia despite a gruelling season, including two Davis Cup ties in November against Ben Shelton and Matteo Berrettini.

Speaking on the Wide World of Sports' 'The Morning Serve' show, Woodbridge, former doubles world No.1, questioned Kokkinakis' scheduling plan.

"He has to think hard about what he's going to do to get the best tennis career out of himself. At the back end of the year, he's played Challengers and then went and played exhibition matches that he didn't need to do," said Woodbridge.

"Yes the money's great and we all love putting that in our pocket and that's exactly what he did, but that schedule hurts to start the year."

When asked about Woodbridge's comments in his post-match press conference, Kokkinakis didn't hold back.

"That’s why he is trying to host every game show under the sun," the world No.71 said.

"We’re trying to make a living as much as he is.

"Unfortunately, ATP sometimes, if you make a semifinal of a 250 event, you don't get as much as what you would playing an exhibition. I've been pretty vocal that the season's too long. Sometimes you got to weigh up your options as far as trying to do what's best for your career, best for the ranking.

"It's a tricky one. Obviously, it's a lot less stress on my body, a lot less stress mentally. I missed a lot of years and a lot of money not playing with injuries and whatnot.

"It's tough when people comment when they have no idea about the injury or what sort of tennis I'm playing. I haven't lost this year. Yes, I picked up something, but it has nothing to do with my off-season."

Kokkinakis will prepare to face No.15 seed Jack Draper in the next round.

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