'He seems flat': Local hero Thanasi Kokkinakis survives late scare in 'tough' Adelaide International clash

A late comeback was not enough for Tomas Martin Etcheverry to knock out Thanasi Kokkinakis as the local hero advanced to the Adelaide International quarter finals.

The fierce battle fell just short of the three hour mark as Etcheverry pushed Kokkinakis through several break point situations.

But the tight encounter did not seem as fluid for the Australian compared to his rival, with unforced errors and four double faults proving costly in the second set.

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The errors were quickly brushed off by Kokkinakis, but Australian great John Fitzgerald noted that glimpses of trouble seemingly continued to slip through.

"He is not at his best tonight but he is there when he needs," he said on nine.

"He looks disappointed... suggesting it's all in the head. He seems flat after that poor finish ... the whole stadium has gone flat [too]."

Seeded eighth in the tournament, Etcheverry pushed Kokkinakis through a gruelling tiebreak to round out the match.

Kokkinakis gained a two-point advantage to start the battle but Etcheverry pushed back to be within one point of the Australian.

Forcing long shots onto the Argentinian, the crowd began to roar as Kokkinakis increased his lead.

"This is his house," Fitzgerald called as Kokkinakis won match-point.

"That was tough. He was gutsy, never say die attitude. What a contest."

Kokkinakis will now shift his focus to America's Sebastian Korda, who he has yet to record a victory against.

Speaking with Nine post-match, the 28-year-old admitted he still carries the "demons" of his last encounter with Korda in Washington.

"I still get demons about that match," he said.

"But [the energy in Adelaide] is unbelievable.

"Every time I come out here I can count on [the home crowd] to bring the energy.

Watch the 2025 Adelaide International live and free on 9Now.

"I knew it was going to be a battle" Kokkinakis continued as Etcheverry left the court.

"I knew it would be a dogfight. I just tried to stay calm. I thought I was lucky to sneak the first set."

With the match against Korda set to take place until Thursday, Kokkinakis revealed his rest and recovery plans for the battle.

"I'll get on some WWE on PlayStation and tag team with the boys while I rest, I reckon," he laughed.