Jack Draper Wins Thrilling Match at Australian Open

Jack Draper overcame a hostile crowd and a two-sets-to-one deficit to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis in a thrilling five-set match at the Australian Open, winning 6-7 (3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3. The match, lasting over four hours, saw Draper booed from the moment he entered the court, yet he thrived in the intense atmosphere, even engaging with the crowd by cupping his hand to his ear after key points. Despite being on the brink of elimination when Kokkinakis served for the match at 5-4 in the fourth set, Draper broke back and rallied to win the final two sets. He expressed his enjoyment of playing in front of such large crowds, whether they were for him or against him, and acknowledged Kokkinakis's talent and competitiveness. Draper's victory marks his first advance to the third round of a Grand Slam, as he prepares to face another Australian, Aleksandar Vukic, in the next round. This win also echoes Andy Murray's memorable comeback against Kokkinakis in 2023, showcasing Draper's resilience.