Oft-injured Kokkinakis calls win over Raonic the biggest of career

Thanasi Kokkinakis called his first-round victory against Milos Raonic at Queen’s Club the "biggest win of his career" as he returns from a long period of injuries.

"It's huge,” he told reporters at the grass-court tournament in London. “Best win of my career. And to do it so soon after coming back on such a long layoff is a huge confidence boost.”

The 21-year-old Australian had shoulder surgery in 2016 and experienced repeated physical problems as he attempted to come back, leading him to question if he should quit the game.

"I felt like some of those issues I was having a long time were still there, and I just wasn't feeling great with my game," he said.

Kokkinakis recounted what he calls his "absurd" run of injuries, which are still affecting him.

"Obviously the shoulder was the big one,” he said. “I tore my oblique, I had osteitis pubis, I tore my pec. I had an elbow issue, and I'm still dealing with my groin and shoulder issues.”

But he's now a lot more eager to pursue his comeback.

"Obviously a win like today helps," he said.

Kokkinakis, ranked No. 698 following his layoff, is playing Queen's as a wild card.