Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Thanasi Kokkinakis
IN PHOTO: Nick Kyrgios of Australia (R) shakes hands with compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis after defeating him in their junior boys' singles final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 26, 2013. REUTERS/David Gray REUTERS

Adelaide native Thanasi Kokkinakis has been awarded a wild card for the 2015 Brisbane International. Kokkinakis, who is considered as one of Australia's young guns in tennis, is reportedly ecstatic for the privilege.

The 18-year-old will line up against tennis stars like Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori, Juan Martin del Potro, Milos Raonic, and reigning US Open champion Maric Cilic in Brisbane. Kokkinakis, who has leaped up the world rankings from 627 to 150 in the last season, took his excitement to Twitter.

Big thanks to @BrisbaneTennis @TennisAustralia @CamPearson1 for the WC! Looking forward to starting my year at a great tournament #pumped

— Thanasi Kokkinakis (@TKokkinakis) December 29, 2014

A year ago, Kokkinakis made his debut on centre court against two-time Aussie Grand Slam champion and former World number one Lleyton Hewitt. Speaking via Brisbane International's official Web site, Kokkinakis said he won't be competing in the event just to make up the numbers.

"I can't wait to have more of those experiences and hopefully win a few rounds and go deep into the tournament," Kokkinakis said. "My goal is to win rounds in the draw."

Kokkinakis admitted that fact it would be tough to play against the best tennis players but he maintains a positive outlook and remains hopeful that he will be able to do the best the he can on the day of his matches. Two more wild card contenders are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Meanwhile, 3AW Sports Today said in a tweet that Kokkinakis will team up with another Aussie rising tennis star Nick Kyrgios in the men's doubles event of the 2015 Australian Open. Tennis fans have already expressed their anticipation to see Australia's teen tennis stars play in the first Grand Slam tournament of the 2015 season.

@3AWSportsToday @TKokkinakis @3AW693 @NickKyrgios @AustralianOpen The Cocky brothers Giddy up. #lovethem

— Linny Haze (@LinnyHaze) December 29, 2014

@3AWSportsToday @TKokkinakis @3AW693 @NickKyrgios @AustralianOpen Ohhhhhh, I'd love to see that!

— Andrew Young (@andrewy181993) December 29, 2014

@3AWSportsToday @TKokkinakis @3AW693 @NickKyrgios @AustralianOpen Cannot Wait! #AussieAussieAussie

— happyslamtennis (@happyslamtennis) December 29, 2014

@3AWSportsToday @TKokkinakis @3AW693 @NickKyrgios @AustralianOpen will be awesome display sure. #wins #showtime

— Libby (@libbyswan36) December 29, 2014

The qualifying competition will be held at Melbourne Park from Jan. 14 to Jan. 17, 2015. The tournament will be played on hard court in three different venues: Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and Hisense Arena. The event will officially start on Jan. 19 and end Feb. 1, 2015. Last year's champions include Stan Wawrinka (Men's Singles), Li Na (Women's Singles), Lukasz Kubot and Robert Lindstedt (Men's Doubles), and Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci (Women's Doubles).

To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@ibtimes.com.au.

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