On the ATP Tour, Thanasi Kokkinakis has long been admired for his graceful backhand and tenacious attitude, but lately, his romantic life—rather than his forehand—has kept fans guessing. Following a string of unguarded sightings around Melbourne, the 28-year-old tennis player is now being linked to rising model Paige Henry, following a public and notably stylish relationship with Melbourne-based influencer Hannah Dal Sasso. Despite being subtle, the change has generated discussion on social media and provocative analogies to celebrity dating patterns in the entertainment and sports sectors.
Kokkinakis has garnered attention lately for his discreet strolls with Henry, as evidenced by an Instagram story that featured the two of them grinning together. Fans immediately identified Henry—a sought-after model who juggles shoots in Australia, New Zealand, and London—despite the caption’s ambiguity. Given how well her international lifestyle fits Kokkinakis’ tour schedule, there is reason to believe that this relationship could develop beyond its surface level.
Kokkinakis and Dal Sasso had previously been involved in a well-publicized romance. The two walked the red carpet with easy confidence as they went public at the 2023 Glamour on the Grid event. Due to Dal Sasso’s concurrent success as an entrepreneur and co-founder of Styled By Mim, a dress rental service that proved remarkably successful in establishing a niche among fashion-forward millennials, their relationship was particularly admired. She developed friendships with prominent tennis partners’ significant others, such as Costeen Hatzi and Paige Lorenze, and was frequently spotted cheering Kokkinakis on at international competitions throughout 2023 and a large portion of 2024.
Table: Thanasi Kokkinakis Personal and Relationship Information
| Full Name | Athanasios “Thanasi” Kokkinakis |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1996 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Profession | Professional Tennis Player |
| Career Highlight | 2022 Australian Open Doubles Champion |
| ATP Career High | Singles: No. 69 (June 2015) |
| Known For | Friendship with Nick Kyrgios, injury battles |
| Ex-Girlfriend | Hannah Dal Sasso (2023–2024) |
| Rumored New Flame | Paige Henry (Feb 2025–Present) |
| Verified Source | Daily Mail |
Dal Sasso and Kokkinakis worked together to create a harmonious portrayal of romance and ambition through their public appearances and online work. However, the glossy exterior started to chip by the end of 2024. In a contemporary sign of separation, the couple discreetly unfollowed one another on Instagram. When asked, Dal Sasso gave a very straightforward response, telling the Herald Sun, “We’re definitely not official but we’re on good terms.” Her message alluded to independence, which is indicative of a broader trend in which athletes’ partners are looking for identities other than the “WAG” label, a cultural term that has come to feel increasingly archaic.
Kokkinakis was seen in the spotlight once more by the beginning of 2025, but this time without Dal Sasso. Following his solo appearance at UFC 312 in Sydney, he was spotted walking around Melbourne with Paige Henry. The pair’s easygoing yet remarkably composed appearance and easygoing demeanor raised questions about whether this was a rebound or a new beginning. The optics are striking, especially for a player whose emotional fortitude has mirrored his physical struggles, even though neither has confirmed anything.
Kokkinakis was dealing with a physical setback during that time as well, having to retire from the men’s doubles at the 2025 Australian Open due to a persistent pectoral injury. He said, “I just knew my future was looking bleak,” as he reflected on his struggle. His openness made him incredibly relatable and significantly increased public sympathy for his experience. These candid moments have helped fans relate to an athlete who is frequently overshadowed by his doubles partner Nick Kyrgios outside of the baseline.
Kokkinakis is inadvertently changing his public image by combining that emotional transparency with the interest in his alleged romance. Other athletes have also undergone this evolution. Think about how Lewis Hamilton’s post-race advocacy work expanded his voice beyond Formula 1, or how Emma Raducanu’s brand subtly changed following partnerships with Dior. Despite not actively rebranding, Kokkinakis seems to be moving into a stage where a return to his career could result from personal clarity.
For Paige Henry, being in the spotlight has its challenges. She works in a particularly creative niche as a model who lives on three continents, where runway aesthetics and digital presence coexist. Her Instagram is subtle and well-curated, with just under 10,000 followers. She is the perfect partner for someone like Kokkinakis, who values discretion and composure in the face of media pressure, because of her minimalist style, which stands in stark contrast to the more flamboyant influencer space.
This possible new relationship feels very adaptable thanks to calculated appearances and subliminal digital cues. Fans who appreciate authenticity are already drawn to their similar lifestyles and demeanors, whether or not they become official. Henry provides stability encased in intrigue, which is more subtle but no less captivating than Dal Sasso’s prominence and glitz.
People like Kokkinakis influence wider cultural discussions in Australian tennis. He is more than just a player making a comeback; he is a representation of tenacity, and people greatly admire the way he has managed both personal and physical obstacles. The way he handles this transition sets a tone in the context of the public’s fascination with athlete relationships—one that implies moving on doesn’t require dramatic declarations but rather quiet consistency.
Results have never been Kokkinakis’s only defining characteristic since his breakthrough years. Despite the fact that injuries severely limited his playing time, his reputation—which was based on his friendship with Kyrgios, incredible comebacks, and candid interviews—grew. He may now be positioning himself for a more stable career path by accepting a slower, more reflective phase off-court.
The question of who supports him may continue to be pertinent in the upcoming months as media and fans follow his recuperation and upcoming appearances. The broader story that is developing, however, is just as urgent: an athlete finding his rhythm again in life as well as in competition. His story feels incredibly human, replete with heartbreak, physical strain, and changing affection. The power of connection is found in that honesty.
