Thanasi Kokkinakis has been forced to clarify a social media comment he made about Elena Rybakina in the wake of her triumph at Indian Wells.
Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka in Sunday’s final in the Californian desert, prevailing 7-6 (11-9) 6-4 to avenge her loss in the Australian Open decider.
Kokkinakis took to Twitter moments after the final point, commenting: “Rybakina looks like the nicest girl ever.” The Aussie inadvertently sparked a fan frenzy with the tweet, with many tennis fans wondering what he had in
Kokkinakis was forced to send a follow-up tweet after being flooded with replies, writing: Not having a crack, relaaaax,” with a laughing emoji.
The Aussie was seemingly commenting on Rybakina’s post-match comments in which she heaped praise on Sabalenka.
