Jack Draper says the hostile crowd at the Australian Open gave him energy and he wants fans to create more noise for his third-round match against Aleksandar Vukic on Friday.
during Draper’s 6-7 (7-3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 home win over champion Thanasi KokkinakisAustralian fans were whistling and shouting to distract the England number one in what he described as some of the worst “abuse” he had ever received.
But England’s No.1 is gaining confidence after playing for four straight hours and will be hoping to replicate his success against Vukic.
“It was an amazing, exciting atmosphere. I definitely got a lot of abuse from the crowd between serves,” Draper said after his second-round victory.
“I think sometimes it upsets them or you don’t want to give them back, but to be fair, it gave me energy to do that.
“There were times when it was hard, but after a tough game, I felt a little better. Giving back a little bit gave me energy and it was just a little fun.”
“They’re telling me this and that. It’s good to listen for a while. They were whistling and talking between serves. It’s all fun, but it’s really hard when you’re trying to serve. But I have thick skin.”
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Draper advanced to the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career after a five-set thriller against Thanasi Kokkinakis.
When asked by Draper if this was the worst abuse he had ever experienced, he agreed but noted that it was “the best atmosphere” he had ever been in.
Last year, the 23-year-old won two ATP titles and reached the semifinals of the US Open and is now targeting success at the Masters 1000 and Grand Slams in 2025.
“I’ve been doing a lot of physical work for a long time,” Draper added. “When people say, ‘Oh, you don’t have enough stamina,’ that’s part of it.
“As a young player, when you go to these big events and have to deal with the media and the crowds, you’re playing the tournament you’ve dreamed of since you were a kid and you’re expected to do well, it seems like it’s too much for me at first.
“I think I’ve built a lot of confidence and belief in myself, especially at the end of last year.
“I think winning the title and getting to the semifinals in the U.S. gave me peace of mind that I was good enough and doing the right thing.
“It gave me peace, too. It made me feel more at ease than carrying a lot of weight on my shoulders.”
Draper boasts ‘special talent’ Peonley’
Draper was joined in the third round by fellow Briton Jacob Fearnley, who ignored the crowd during his first-round win over Australian Nick Kyrgios.
Fearnley broke further new ground with a 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-3 win over France’s Arthur Cazaux to set up a third-round clash with second seed Alexander Zverev.
“I’m proud of Jacob. He’s an amazing player.” Draper added.
“He’s always been a special talent. Obviously I’m a good friend of him, but we’ll be competing against each other in a British No. 1 situation. I think it’s great for British tennis and we’re lucky to have him.” “
Fearnley admitted feeling nervous ahead of his clash with Zverev but is hoping to hit his stride.
“This is another big match. I think it’s going to be on a big court. He’s playing unbelievable. I know all these matches I’m playing are extremely difficult,” Fearnley said.
“I’m nervous, but I know how lucky I am to have this experience and play in these games.
“Games like this don’t come around very often. I’m trying to cherish them and stay in the moment and enjoy these big matches because they’re one of the biggest matches I’ll ever play.
“It’s really special to get to the third round with Jack. I’ve known him since he was very young and it’s really great to be in the third round of this tournament with him.
“Obviously we’re doing our own thing and trying to get as far as we can.”
Draper is scheduled to face home favorite Aleksandar Vukic in the third round of the Australian Open.
‘Kokkinakis must have grown tired of the British sight.‘
Sky Sports’ Jonathan Overend:
“There were two five-setters at the start of the Grand Slam. That was tough! And in fact some of his best tennis was in the last set of the match.
“Obviously Kokkinakis was feeling the heat and pain and there was very little he could do to serve his best, but I thought Draper played an incredibly mature fifth set, really stimulating the brain and playing smart.
“It’s never easy when you have to chase down an opponent in crisis and I’ve seen people struggle to deal with those kinds of situations in the past, but not Draper.
“He was always in control and although there were a few sticky moments in the middle of the set, he handled it very impressively. From that moment on, realistically there was only one winner and how great were the chances of finishing it off.”
“Who doesn’t love a lightning forehand winner to win a match at a Grand Slam? Brilliant from Draper. Easier matches lie ahead. Kokkinakis may be tired of the Englishman’s gaze after his thriller against Andy Murray a few years ago. no see. “
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