South Australian tennis fans are set for a homecoming moment this summer, with hometown hero Thanasi Kokkinakis confirmed to return to centre court after being awarded a wildcard into the Adelaide International 2026.
The Adelaide-born star will take to the courts at The Drive in January, reigniting a deeply personal connection with the tournament where he captured his first — and so far only — ATP Tour singles title in 2022. That breakthrough victory remains one of the most emotional moments in the event’s history, cementing Kokkinakis’ place as a fan favourite in his home state.
He now returns to face one of the strongest fields the Adelaide International has assembled, with top-10 players Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper headlining the ATP 250 draw. They are joined by top-20 contenders Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Jiri Lehecka and Tommy Paul, alongside fellow Australian Alexei Popyrin.
The women’s competition is equally stacked, with four of the world’s top 10 players set to light up Adelaide in January. Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Belinda Bencic, Clara Tauson, Emma Navarro and Paula Badosa will all feature, ensuring world-class tennis across the entire week.
Away from centre court, the tournament experience continues to expand. An enhanced Kids’ Day will once again launch the event, delivering a family-focused tennis celebration after selling out in both 2024 and 2025. Families are being encouraged to book early, with demand expected to be high once again.
More than 28,000 tickets have already been snapped up for the international tournament, which runs at The Drive from 12 to 17 January 2026. Tickets are on sale now from just $10, with free entry for kids at select sessions.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said welcoming Kokkinakis back to Adelaide was a highlight of the summer of tennis, describing his performances at The Drive as “legendary” and a defining part of the event’s atmosphere. She said the combination of global stars and local favourites reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a premier destination for major international sporting events, encouraging fans to secure tickets early.
Adelaide International Tournament Director Alicia Molik echoed the sentiment, saying Kokkinakis’ presence lifts the energy of the tournament to another level. She said his connection with the local crowd consistently brings out his best tennis, making him a major drawcard once again.
The Adelaide International kicks off an elite summer of events in South Australia, leading into the Santos Tour Down Under, LIV Golf Adelaide, Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide and AFL Gather Round.
