Jack Draper says the hostile crowd at the Australian Open gave him energy and he wants fans to make more noise during his third-round match against Aleksandar Vukic on Friday.
during Draper defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7 (7-3), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.Australian fans were whistling or shouting to distract the Briton No. 1 in what he described as some of the worst “abuse” he had received.
However, the British No.1 is buoyed by confidence from playing back-to-back four-hour matches, and will be hoping to repeat his success against Vukic.
“It was amazing, the atmosphere was electric,” Draper said after his second-round victory. “Obviously we got a lot of insults from the crowd between serves.”
“I think sometimes you don't want to piss them off or pay them back. But to be fair, it gave me the energy to do it.”
“There were times when I was down, and then I had a tough game and I felt it a little bit. It gave me the energy to give back a little bit, it was just a little bit of fun.”
“They say things to me. It's good to listen to it a little bit. They were whistling and talking in between serves. It's all in fun but when you're about to serve, it's really hard. But I have a 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 thrilling five-set match against Thanasi Kokkinakis.
When Draper was asked if this was the worst abuse he had ever endured, he agreed that it was, but also noted that this was the “best atmosphere” he had been a part of.
Last year, the 23-year-old won two ATP titles and reached the semi-finals of the US Open, and is now eyeing success at the Masters 1000 and Grand Slam tournaments in 2025.
“I've been working out a lot physically for a long time,” Draper added. “When people say, ‘Oh, you're not fit enough,' that's part of it.
“As a young player, when you take part in these big events and have to deal with the media and the fans, you play tournaments that you dreamed of playing in since you were little and you are expected to do well, it was like that.” A little too much for me at first.
“I feel like, especially at the end of last year, I built a lot of confidence in myself, a lot of belief.
“I think winning titles and getting to the semi-finals of the US Championships gave me that security in my mind that I was good enough and that I was doing the right things.
“It's also given me peace of mind. Instead of having so much on my shoulders, I feel more at ease.”
Draper is proud of the “special talent” Fernley
Draper will be joined in the third round by fellow Briton Jacob Fearnley, who ignored the crowd during his first-round victory over Australian Nick Kyrgios.
Fearnley defeated Frenchman Arthur Cazeau 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, to gain further progress and set up a third-round match with second seed Alexander Zverev.
Draper added: “I'm proud of Jacob, he's a great player.”
“He's always been a special talent. Obviously I'm a good friend of his but we'll be competing against each other for the number one spot in Britain. I think it's great for British tennis and we're lucky to have him.” “
Fearnley admitted that he felt nervous before his match against Zverev, but he hopes to take the matter in his stride.
“It's another huge game,” Fearnley said. “I think it's going to be on a big pitch. He's playing unbelievable. I realize all these games I'm playing are a big challenge.”
“I'm nervous but I know how lucky I am to have had these experiences and played these matches.
“These matches don't come around very often. I try to cherish them and really stay in the moment and try to enjoy these huge matches because they are some of the biggest matches I can play.
“To be in the third round with Jack is really special. I've known him since we were very young, and to be in this tournament together in the third round is amazing.
“Obviously we're doing what we can and trying to get as far as we can.”
Draper is set to face home favorite Aleksandar Vukic in the third round of the Australian Open
'Kokkinakis must be tired of seeing the British'
Jonathan Overend from Sky Sports:
“Two five-set matches at the start of a Grand Slam – what an effort! In fact, some of his best tennis was in that final set of the match.
“Admittedly, Kokkinakis was hot and sore and wasn't close to playing his best, but I thought Draper played an incredibly mature fifth set. He really tapped his mind and played sensibly.
“It's never easy when you have to get rid of an injured opponent and we've seen people in the past struggle to deal with that kind of situation, but not Draper.
“He always looked in control, he had a bit of a tough moment in the middle of the set, but he handled it admirably. From that moment there was only one winner and what a shot to finish off the match.”
“Who doesn't love a thundering forehand to win a Grand Slam match? Draper is great. There are easier matches ahead. Kokkinakis must be tired of seeing the Brits after the thrilling match with Andy Murray two years ago.”
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