Australian Open: Jack Draper wants home fans to bring more noise ahead of Aleksandar Vukic clash

Jack Draper says the hostile crowd at the Australian Open gave him energy and wants the fans to bring more noise for his third-round clash against Aleksandar Vukic on Friday.

During Draper’s 6-7 (7-3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 victory over home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis, the Australian fans were whistling or shouting to distract the British No 1 in what he described as some of the worst “abuse” he has received.

However, the British No 1 is drawing confidence from having come through back-to-back four-hour matches and is hoping to replicate his success against Vukic.

“It was amazing, an electric atmosphere. Obviously getting quite a lot of abuse from the crowd in between the serves,” Draper said following his second-round victory.

“I think sometimes you don’t want to rile them or give it back. But to be fair, it gave me energy doing that.

“There were times where I was down, then I come through a tough game and I was feeling it a little bit. It gave me energy giving it back a little bit, it’s just a bit of fun.

“They are saying stuff to me. It’s nice to sort of just give it a bit of an ear. They were whistling and talking in between serves. It’s all fun but when you’re about to serve, it’s really difficult. But I have thick skin.”

When Draper was asked if it was the worst abuse he had experienced he agreed but also noted that it was the “best atmosphere” he has been a part of.

Last year, the 23-year-old won two ATP titles and reached the US Open semi-finals and is now eyeing success in Masters 1000 events and Grand Slams in 2025.

“I’ve been working physically a lot for a long time,” Draper added. “When people say, ‘oh you’re not fit enough’, it’s part of it.

“As a young player, when you come into these big events and you have to deal with the media and the crowds, you’re playing tournaments you’ve dreamed of playing since you were young and you are expected to do well, it was a bit too much for me at the start.

“I feel like, especially at the back end of last year, I built a lot of confidence in myself, a lot of belief.

“I think winning the titles and making the semis of the US just gave me that security in my mind that I’m good enough and that I’m doing the right things.

“It has given me a calmness as well. Instead of carrying a lot on my shoulders, I feel more relaxed.”

Draper proud of ‘special talent’ Fearnley’

Draper is joined in the third round by fellow Briton Jacob Fearnley, who ignored the crowd during his first-round win over Australian Nick Kyrgios.

Fearnley defeated France’s Arthur Cazaux 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-3 and broke more new ground to set up a third-round clash with second seed Alexander Zverev.

“I’m proud of Jacob, he’s an incredible player,” Draper added.

“He’s always been a special talent. Obviously I’m good friends with him but we’re going to be competing against each other with the No 1 Brit situation. I think it’s great for British tennis and we’re lucky to have him.”

Fearnley admitted to feeling nervous ahead of his clash against Zverev but is hoping to take it in his stride.

“It’s another massive match. I assume it will be on a big court. He’s playing unbelievably. I’m aware that all these matches that I’m getting are extremely challenging,” Fearnley said.

“I do get nervous but I know how lucky I am to have these experiences and play these matches.

“These matches don’t come around often. I’m trying to cherish them and stay in the present moment really and just try and enjoy these massive matches because they are some of the biggest that 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 awesome.

“Obviously we do our own thing and we’re trying to get as far as we can.”

‘Kokkinakis must be sick of the sight of the Brits‘

Sky Sports’ Jonathan Overend:

“Two five-setters at the start of a Grand Slam – what an effort! And actually, some of his best tennis was in that final set of the match.

“Admittedly, Kokkinakis was feeling the heat, feeling the pain and not anywhere near able to serve near his best, but I thought Draper played an incredibly mature fifth set. Really engaging his brain and playing sensibly.

“Never easy when you’re having to put away a stricken opponent and we’ve seen people in the past struggle to deal with that sort of situation, but not Draper.

“He always looked in control, had a slightly sticky moment mid-way through the set, but dealt with it so impressively. From that moment there was only realistically one winner and what a shot to close it out.

“Who doesn’t love a thunderbolt forehand winner to win a match at a Grand Slam? Brilliant from Draper. Easier matches lie ahead. Kokkinakis must be sick of the sight of the Brits after his thriller with Andy Murray a couple of years ago.”

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