Thanasi Kokkinakis shows massive respect for Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

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• Rafael Nadal

Thanasi Kokkinakis outlasted Stan Wawrinka in a French Open thriller and afterward revealed his admiration for stunning Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam records. Kokkinakis, 27, edged out Wawrinka 3-6 7-5 6-3 6-7 (4) 6-3 after over four and a half hours of play to progress into the French Open third round.

"It's just crazy how guys like Djokovic and Nadal have won 20 of these. This stuff is so hard, to be honest. To try and win five sets is brutal. It's a pain, especially on clay. It's a massive relief, and then you're, like, s---, hang on, I have to go again in two days.

I'm just going to swear. I'm sorry. It's me. This stuff is so hard, so for people watching at home, it's like, oh, you should be able to do that or whatever. They don't understand how hard it is and how impressive these guys are," Kokkinakis said, via Sportskeeda.

Kokkinakis shows respect for Nadal and Djokovic's Slam resume

By beating Wawrinka, Kokkinakis made the third round of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career. A bit interestingly, Kokkinakis' first Grand Slam third round came at the 2015 French Open when he won his first two matches before losing to Novak Djokovic.

Eight years later, Kokkinakis made his second Grand Slam third round at the same tournament. When asked about how far he could go at the French Open, Kokkinakis simply said he was taking it day by day. "I'm not too sure, to be honest.

I'm taking it one match at a time. I saw my draw. I knew it was tough. It doesn't get much easier from now. I don't know how good I can be or what I can do. I'm not trying to put a limit on myself, but what I do know is that I'm going to give myself every chance and see what I can get to," Kokkinakis said.