‘I stopped breathing’ – Australian tennis star reveals details of harrowing health ordeal

Aussie hopeful Thanasi Kokkinakis has revealed harrowing details of a health scare he recently suffered which resulted in him missing this year’s Australian Open.
Kokkinakis appeared to be making serious progress back in 2015 when he climbed into the top 70 of the world rankings.
Injuries then descended upon his career, though, halting his progress.
However, they were nothing compared to the glandular fever that struck him down last year.
“I was told I had stopped breathing when I was sleeping, my throat was so inflamed,” Kokkinakis said, as quoted by Fox Sports Australia.
“I lost 10 kilos because I couldn’t eat, now I’m trying to stay in shape, trying to stay sane.
“I’m not looking too far ahead, trying to maintain shape and not push it too much. When we get the all-clear, I’ll ramp it up.”
Kokkinakis has a Miami Open win over Roger Federer to his name, but says he became aware there was a serious health problem on the eve of the Australian Open this year.
He, though, initially put that down to the poor air-quality due to the bushfires in Australia at the time.
“I tried to get back on court late December before I knew anything was wrong, and I was running out of gas quickly,” the word number 237 added.
“I thought it might be the bushfire thing with all the smoke.
“I was going through four or five shirts a night with a fever, my bed was drenched, I went to Melbourne and I was hitting and I was running out of gas.
“My throat was killing me and it was lingering. It felt like razor blades down my throat so I went to hospital in Melbourne.
“I got back to Adelaide and it got really bad, I couldn’t eat and I struggled to drink water. I ended up in hospital again.
“But I’m better now, I’m feeling relatively healthy, but it’s been frustrating.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Australian Open
Roberto Bautista Agut says quotes comparing quarantine to ‘jail, but with WiFi’ was ‘taken out of context’
Roberto Bautista Agut issues an apology.
-
News
More coronavirus cases linked to arrivals for Australian Open
Australian Open boss said the safety of the Victorian community will not be compromised.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open chief defends Novak Djokovic over quarantine note, saying ‘they were suggestions’
Craig Tiley jumps to Novak Djokovic’s defence.
-
News
Quarantine remains in place for 72 players ahead of Australian Open
Two Covid-19 cases have been deemed viral shedding.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith recalls sitting next to Judy Murray as her son won Wimbledon
We talk to Leon Smith about his coaching journey.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open tension boiling over as players, pundits, ex-pros, fans involved in social media spats
It’s all kicking off on social media.
-
Australian Open
Roberto Bautista Agut slams quarantine restrictions saying ‘it’s like being in jail, but with WiFi’
“These people have no idea,” says Roberto Bautista Agut.
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka pens thoughtful letter to tennis community urging them to ‘accept, adapt’
Victoria Azarenka calls for calm.
-
Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios brands Novak Djokovic a ‘tool’ following Australian Open quarantine squabble
Nick Kyrgios again unimpressed by Novak Djokovic.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – Leon Smith reflects on coaching Andy Murray and the role of the inspirational Judy Murray
Leon Smith looks back on his days coaching Andy Murray.