'I never like when it's going too well': Thanasi Kokkinakis advances as Aussies fire at Adelaide International

Thanasi Kokkinakis was made to work hard against Japanese left-hander Yoshihito Nishioka in a tough opening round fixture at the Adelaide International, punctuating a day of success for Australian players at Memorial Drive.

A winner of the event in 2022, Kokkinakis - ranked 77th in the world - was pushed until the late hours of the night on Monday during the tricky first round clash, eventually seeing off the Japan player 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

The Aussie started the match well but then had a lapse of concentration in the second set, before breaking twice in the final set to lead 5-1.

THE MOLE: Former teen sensation quits Dogs to join NRL rival

READ MORE: Major calls loom for Aussies ahead of Ashes

READ MORE: Australian Open rocked as Wimbledon champ pulls out

But Nishioka held off three match points at 5-3, before the South Australian sealed the win in two hours and 10 minutes, scoring 41 winners and 15 aces in the process.

"It's tough. I never like when it's going too well because I'm just kind of waiting for something bad to happen, and it kind of did," Kokkinakis said of his drop off in the second set.

"I knew, I knew when I didn't take those break chances, it could have been maybe a straight sets match, but that's tennis. And he fought and played some good tennis. And yeah, you guys lifted me in that third set.

Earlier, fellow Australian Chris O'Connell defeated Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 7-5 7-6 (7-5).

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

O'Connell, ranked No.64, had an unideal start to the summer in Brisbane but will face the winner of the match between Alexander Bublik and Miomir Kecmanovic in the next round.

"I had a tough match in Brisbane - had a match point, so that hurt," O'Connell said of his three-sets loss in the first round to American Alex Michelsen.

"So first match of the year, getting your first win of the year is always very helpful."

Fellow Australian pair James Duckworth and Adam Walton also scraped into the main draw, while defending champion Jiri Lehecka pulled out due to fatigue.

Watch the 2024 Australian Open live and exclusive on Nine and 9Now.

Duckworth defeated wildcard Jacob Bradshaw 6-2 6-2, and Walton secured a 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 comeback win over Rinky Hijikata.

America's world No.12 Tommy Paul is the top seed in Adelaide.