Thanasi Kokkinakis has insisted he wasn’t fazed if Fabio Fognini tanked in his opening round match, instead focusing on his second-round blockbuster against Andy Murray.
In a match strung out over 24 hours due to multiple rain delays, Kokkinakis needed just five points to seal victory over Fognini on Wednesday, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in under two hours.
Fognini’s performance throughout the match led to accusations of tanking from onlookers, but Kokkinakis said the result was more a reflection of his own form than that of the former world No.9.
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“I’ve played him three times and I’m 3-0, so unless he’s tanked every time, I’m playing good,” Kokkinakis said.
“I served well, I felt like I didn’t really give him many chances. I don’t know what he’s feeling or how he’s doing it, but he’s been in the top 10.
“Who knows, a lot of guys come in and out. If you look at some of the break points, there’s balls that people would be tanking on, wouldn’t run out and try hustle them back.
“I don’t really care to be honest whether people think he tanked or not, I’m through to the second round, that’s all that matters.”
Kokkinakis will face Murray, with the former world number one having come off a five-set epic against 13th seed Matteo Berrettini, saving a match point en route to the win.
The pair have faced each other just once, with Murray coming through decisively in a 2015 Davis Cup rubber.
“He was someone when I came onto tour that was always willing to give some advice when he thought,” Kokkinakis said of the 35-year-old Murray.
“I practised with him a fair bit, I played doubles with him at Indian Wells, so we have a fairly good relationship.
“We get along really well. I actually really like him off the court. I remember watching him when I was younger thinking this dude looks moody as hell, he looks miserable. Then when you got to know him, he is actually a ripper bloke and a good guy.
“Yeah, put all that aside and give it a crack tomorrow. But someone I have the utmost respect for.”
