Thanasi Kokkinakis will return to familiar territory next summer, with the South Australian confirmed for the Adelaide International 2026 after receiving a wildcard into the tournament.
The hometown favourite is no stranger to success at The Drive. In 2022, Kokkinakis claimed his first ATP Tour singles title at the Adelaide International, a moment that remains one of the most memorable chapters of his career and a standout highlight for local fans. His return next January brings with it a strong sense of expectation, shaped by that emotional connection and by the support he consistently draws from Adelaide crowds.
This year’s men’s draw is shaping up as a competitive ATP 250 field. World number one Novak Djokovic and British star Jack Draper, currently ranked inside the top ten, headline the line-up. They are joined by top-20 players Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Jiri Lehecka and Tommy Paul, along with fellow Australian Alexei Popyrin. Against that backdrop, Kokkinakis faces a challenging path, even with the familiarity of home conditions on his side.
The women’s competition is equally strong, with several of the world’s leading players confirmed to compete in Adelaide. Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Belinda Bencic, Clara Tauson, Emma Navarro and Paula Badosa are all set to feature, offering spectators a chance to see some of the sport’s most recognisable names early in the season.
Tournament organisers are also placing renewed focus on the broader event experience. An expanded Kids’ Day will open the competition, aiming to build on the strong family attendance seen in recent years. After selling out in both 2024 and 2025, organisers are encouraging families to secure tickets early, with expectations high that demand will again be strong.
That confidence is supported by early ticket sales. More than 28,000 fans have already secured their seats for the tournament, which runs from 12 to 17 January 2026. Tickets are available from $10, with free entry for children at selected sessions, positioning the event as one of the more accessible stops on the Australian summer calendar.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said Kokkinakis’ return adds to the appeal of an already strong line-up. She pointed to his past performances at The Drive as a defining feature of the Adelaide International and described his presence as a boost for both the event and the state’s sporting profile. Bettison also highlighted the draw of seeing leading international players in Adelaide, noting that early ticket sales reflect sustained public interest.
Adelaide International Tournament Director Alicia Molik echoed that sentiment, describing Kokkinakis as a player who lifts the atmosphere whenever he takes to the court. She said his connection with the tournament and the local crowd often brings out his best tennis, making him a key drawcard for spectators. Molik added that the decision to award him a wildcard reflected both his history at the event and the energy he brings to the competition.
The Adelaide International forms part of a busy summer period for South Australia, sitting alongside events such as the Santos Tour Down Under, LIV Golf Adelaide, Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide and AFL Gather Round. For the state, the tournament continues to play a role in attracting visitors and showcasing Adelaide as a host city for major international sport.
For Kokkinakis, the wildcard offers another chance to build momentum on home soil against high-level opposition. While the field presents a stern test, his past success at the venue ensures his return will be closely watched by fans and players alike when the tournament gets underway in January.
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