Australian Open: Jack Draper wants local fans to make more noise ahead of Aleksandar Vukić clash | Tennis news
Jack Draper says a hostile crowd at the Australian Open has energized him and wants the fans to bring more noise to his third-round clash against Aleksandar Vukic on Friday.
During Draper’s 6-7 (7-3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 win over home favorite Thanasi KokkinakisAustralian fans booed or shouted to distract the British No 1 in what he described as some of the worst “abuse” he had experienced.
However, the British No. 1 is taking confidence from back-to-back four-hour matches and hopes to repeat his success against Vukic.
“It was amazing, an electric atmosphere. Obviously a lot of insulting the crowd between serves,” Draper said after winning the second round.
“I think sometimes you don’t want to piss them off or get it back. But to be honest, it gave me energy.
“There were moments where I was down, and then I went through a tough match and I felt it a little bit. It gave me energy by getting it back a little bit, it’s just a little bit of fun.
“They tell me all kinds of things. It’s nice to listen to them a little bit. They were whistling and talking between serves. It’s all fun, but when you’re about to serve, it’s really hard. But I have a thick skin.”
When Draper was asked if it was the worst abuse he’s experienced, he agreed, but also noted that it was the “best atmosphere” he’s 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 Slams in 2025.
“I’ve been doing a lot of physical work for a long time,” added Draper. “When people say ‘oh, you’re not fit enough’, that’s part of it.
“As a young player, when you come to these big events and have to deal with the media and the crowd, you play tournaments that you’ve dreamed about since you were young and you’re expected to be good, it was a bit too much for me at the start.
“I feel that, especially at the end of last year, I built a lot of confidence in myself, a lot of faith.
“I think winning the title and making it to the US semis just gave me confidence that I’m good enough and doing the right things.
“It also gave me a sense of calm. Instead of carrying a lot on my shoulders, I feel more relaxed.”
Draper proud of Fearnley’s “special talent”.
Joining Draper in the third round is fellow Briton Jacob Fearnley, who ignored the crowd during his first-round win over Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.
Fearnley beat Frenchman Arthur Cazaux 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-3 to set up a new field for a third-round meeting with second seed Alexander Zverev.
“I’m proud of Jacob, he’s an amazing player,” added Draper.
“He’s always been a special talent. Obviously I’m good friends with him, but we’ll be competing against each other with the British No. 1. I think it’s great for British tennis and we’re lucky to have him.”
Fearnley admitted he is feeling nervous ahead of his clash against Zverev, but hopes to take it in his stride.
“It’s another big match. I imagine it’s going to be on a big pitch. He’s playing amazing. I’m aware that all these matches I’m getting are extremely demanding,” Fearnley said.
“I get nervous, but I know how lucky I am to have these experiences and play these games.
“These matches don’t come around very often. I try to appreciate them and really stay in the moment and just try to enjoy these big matches because they’re some of the biggest 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 great.
– Obviously, we are doing our own thing and trying to go as far as we can.
‘Kokkinakis must be sick of looking at the British‘
Sky Sports’ Jonathan Overend:
“Two five-setters at the start of a Grand Slam – what an effort! And in fact, some of his best tennis was in that last set of the match.
“Granted, Kokkinakis was feeling the heat, the pain, and he couldn’t serve anywhere near his best, but I thought Draper played an incredibly mature fifth set. He really got his brain on and played smart.
“It’s never easy when you have to take down a defeated opponent and we’ve seen people in the past struggle to deal with that kind of situation, but not Draper.
“He always looked like he was in control, he had a bit of an awkward moment in the middle of the set but he dealt with it so impressively. From that point on there was only realistically one winner and what a shot it was to finish.
“Who doesn’t like a thunderbolt forehand winner to win a Grand Slam match? Brilliant from Draper. There are easier matches ahead. Kokkinakis must be sick of watching the Brits after his thriller with Andy Murray a few years ago.”
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