A winner and semi-finalist in the two back-to-back events here last year, the Adelaide local again relished the opportunity to play in front of an appreciative audience, registering a 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (9-7) victory over the towering American.

Kokkinakis fought back from a break down and a set point in the second set to secure an impressive win which he closed out with an ace.

“I had an incredible summer here last year starting off in Adelaide and with the (Australian Open) doubles (win) as a cherry on top,” he said.

“But forever the Adelaide week will be my top moment for sure.

“I’m hoping to just try my arse off every match.”

After an injury-ravaged six years, Kokkinakis used his hometown run as something of a springboard to rejuvenate his stuttering career.

While he didn’t quite hit the dizzy heights of another tournament win in 2022, he did become ensconced in the top 100.

And with some 340 points to defend across the two weeks of competition in Adelaide, he’ll need to be at his best or risk slipping well down the rankings ladder.

But Monday night was as good a start as he could hope for.

He overcame a knee problem in the first set, admitting afterward he needed to take some painkillers.

Yet he didn’t face a break point in the opener and rode the crowd as well as his monster forehand when needed to bounce back in the second.

Serve-volleyer Cressy had been one of the surprise packets of the 2022 Australian summer, going from outside the top 100 to reach the final of the ATP event in Melbourne as a qualifier before making the last 16 at the Australian Open.

Things get no easier for Kokkinakis in Adelaide however, with a vastly improved field from last year meaning there’s every chance he’ll meet world No.15, Jannik Sinner, in the second round.

-AAP