Thanasi Kokkinakis is hoping for another call from Roger Federer after falling short in a valiant attempt to reach the French Open second round in his long-awaited comeback to grand slam tennis.
Contesting just his third singles match in 18 months since undergoing shoulder surgery, Kokkinakis went down fighting in a 4-6 6-1 6-4 6-4 loss to eighth seed Kei Nishikori.
The 21-year-old used an injury-protected ranking to gain entry to Roland Garros after falling outside the world's top 1000.
But he was heartened that his battered body survived more than three hours against the Japanese star in what was his first match of more than three sets since the 2015 US Open.
"It's good getting that buzz back of the big tournament, obviously against a quality player," Kokkinakis said.
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"Yeah, it's been a frustrating time, but it's good to be back on the court. I felt pretty good out there, all things considered, and I felt like I had a good shot.
"It would have been more satisfying if I had won, but my body is nowhere near where I need it to be.
"All things considered, it's probably the least or the worst preparation I've had going into a grand slam because I know how many balls you have to hit and I know how many hours you have to put on the practice court to be competitive.
"I was surprised my body was able to hang in there, but it's going to be interesting tomorrow when I wake up."
The one-time world No.67 will turn his attention to the grasscourt season - and Wimbledon.
A highlight of his time off tour rehabilitating from his wretched run with injuries was training with Federer in Dubai.
Kokkinakis admitted he'd jump at the chance to reunite with the Swiss superstar again.
"We were training on hardcourt," Kokkinakis said.
"I was back home in Adelaide on the clay and I was like, well, I just need to get used to that level. So his coach messaged me a couple of times to try to get over there.
"And if it's a possibility for the grass, I don't think there's anyone better to train with than Roger on the grass."
