Kokkinakis can't get to Rome, but can get McDonald's

Thanasi Kokkinakis was forced to pull out of Internazionali BNL d’Italia qualifying after a fire at the Rome airport cancelled his flight. Kokkinakis–among others–was unable to get to the destination in time for the tournament.

As a result, the up-and-coming Australian made a detour for Bordeaux, where he successfully arrived and participated in the qualies event. Kokkinakis capitalized, too, winning two matches in straight sets to book a spot in the main draw.

“When we got to the airport, they told us to come back 10 hours later for the later flight at 7:30, then when we got here they told us it was cancelled,” he explained. “[They] said there is no guarantee we can get you on a flight to Rome in the next two to three days, so we have to play a tournament in France…. “I have lost things like my wallet, but this has been most inconvenient.”

During an extended stay at the Madrid airport, Kokkinakis not only slept overnight but also took full advantage of the local McDonald’s.