ウインブルドンの前哨戦のQueens club championshipsがもうすぐ始まりますが世界ランキングを６９位にあげたタナシ（Thanasi Kokkinakis)はワイルドカードで出場が決まりました。他にオーストラリア選手は同じアデレード出身のヒューイットが出場します。ヒューイットはこのシーズンで引退が決まっていてオーストラリアのデビスカップキャプテンになりますが、この大会で何度も優勝しているヒューイットからは芝での戦い方など貴重なアドバイスを受けるのではないかと思います。ヒューイットは１回戦、ケビン・アンダーソンとニック・キリオスはワウリンカと対戦します。
Having recently peaked at world No.69, Thanasi Kokkinakis has an opportunity to take another significant step after he was granted a wildcard entry into London’s Queen’s Club Championships.
Kokkinakis’ entry follows an abdominal injury to British number three Kyle Edmund, forcing his withdrawal from the annual Wimbledon warm-up.
“Kyle desperately wanted to play and we were looking forward to seeing him but he hasn’t quite returned to full fitness in time,” said tournament director Stephen Farrow. “At the same time, Thanasi has posted some impressive results this year, he’s an exciting prospect and this is a great opportunity to show what he can do.”
Kokkinakis’ entry makes for a trio of notable Australians contesting the prestigious grass court tournament.
Lleyton Hewitt, a three-time champion who is contesting Queen’s for the final time ahead of his retirement, faces big-serving South African Kevin Anderson in the opening round.
Nick Kyrgios has been handed a tough draw, the second ranked Australian male due to meet Stan Wawrinka, who returns to the tour following his second Grand Slam victory at the French Open
Kokkinakis will face Jeremy Chardy in his opening match.