Injury-plagued star Thanasi Kokkinakis will take another "serious" break from tennis after his troublesome shoulder flared up in a potentially career-ending setback during his brief Australian Open appearance.
Kokkinakis lined up with close mate Nick Kyrgios in the men's doubles on Thursday night, rekindling the partnership that delivered a famous title at Melbourne Park four years ago.
But after serving well early in the first-round match against Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans, Kokkinakis broke down and required medical attention on his right shoulder during the deciding set.
The Special Ks bowed out, losing 6-4 4-6 7-6 (10-4) in front of a boisterous Kia Arena crowd.
Kokkinakis believes his latest setback is related to the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Adelaide International earlier this month and the agonising decision not to compete in the Open singles tournament.
The 29-year-old South Australian, who spent nearly 12 months on the sidelines following pectoral surgery last February, now faces another extended stint on the sidelines as he ponders his future in tennis.
"I think I'm going to be on ice for a while," Kokkinakis said.
"I don't want to play another match feeling like that ever again, so I will take a serious break.
"I'm in no way, shape or form ready to compete at this level. So, yeah, I've got to do some things.
"I had some injections booked for after the tournament anyway.
"I thought I'd be able to get through a doubles. It's pretty disappointing."
Kokkinakis felt the latest setback was in a slightly different spot to his previous right shoulder issues, and admitted doubts over his ability to return.
"I think it's all related. My right shoulder has had a lot of wear and tear," he said.
"It's hard because in the back of your mind sometimes you're accepting, yeah, I don't know how much I have left.
"But then other parts, I still play some good tennis. I think if I can get this right, I've got a lot left. I don't know.
"One thing is I'm going to try to do everything I can. If it's completely done, then I'll work that out."
Immediately after the Special Ks' doubles exit, Kokkinakis told Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt his injury would rule him out of Australia's first-round qualifier against Ecuador next month.
"You got to take a healthy body - someone that's a lot more ready than me," Kokkinakis said.
