Thanasi Kokkinakis pulls out of Brisbane International in hopes of Adelaide Open return

Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis is officially out of the Brisbane International

Kokkinakis has withdrawn due a hip injury, releasing a statement ahead of the tournament, which begun on Friday.

"Sad to miss the Brisbane International this year," he said on social media.

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"Dealing with a small hip issue that needs some more time."

The 28-year-old pulled out after receiving a wildcard entry into the tournament.

But the world No.77 is still aiming to make a return before the Australian Open, with hopes he'll be fit to compete at the Adelaide International, which starts on January 6.

Kokkinakis won the Adelaide International just three years ago, hoping to be able to repeat his efforts in front of his home crowd.

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His announcement follows Simona Halep pulling out of the Australian Open.

The former world No.1 made the difficult call due to knee and shoulder pain, announcing her decision on social media.

It comes after she left an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi in pain.

"After playing in Abu Dhabi, unfortunately I felt pain in my knee and shoulder once again," she said on Instagram.

"After discussing with my team at length, we agreed it is sensible to delay the start of my season.

"It's not what I wanted but I would like to thank the tournament organisers in Auckland and Australia for the wild cards and I'm sorry I won't be able to take them this time."

Halep's career has taken another hit, after her doping ban was reduced on appeal earlier in 2024.

The two-time grand slam champion had received a wildcard entry into the Australian Open.