Australian Open 2025: Jack Draper 'proud' after overcoming home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis in five-set thriller
Updated 15/01/2025 at 14:15 GMT
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Jack Draper was "proud" after coming from behind to beat home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis in a five-set thriller in the Australian Open second round. The Briton pulled off a stunning escape, with his opponent having served for a place in the next round at the end of the fourth set. However, Draper ultimately silenced the home crowd by claiming a 6-7 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 victory.
Watch: 'Outstanding' Draper comes through five-set 'classic' to reach third round
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jack Draper was "proud" after coming from behind to beat Thanasi Kokkinakis in a five-set thriller in the Australian Open second round.
The British No.1 pulled off a stunning escape against home favourite Kokkinakis, who was serving for a place in the third round at the end of the fourth set.
Draper stayed alive to claim a dramatic 6-7 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 victory and silence the home crowd.
"It was a really tough match," Draper admitted. "Thanasi is an unbelievable player. Someone I have great respect for.
"Every time I play him, he brings his best tennis, especially here in Australia where he’s so dangerous. I’m really proud of the way I competed, and eventually I came through."
On Kokkinakis, who spent the closing section of the encounter seemingly battling a shoulder injury, Draper added: "It’s difficult; I think he was hurting quite a lot.
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Draper tells McEnroe post-match 'I had a little fun back' with pro-Kokkinakis crowd
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He pulled out last week, and had a really long opening match. He came out here and he gave it his all. He was hurting, but credit to him. It was a great fight."
Draper continued: "I didn’t play for a few weeks in the off-season. I was on the sidelines not really playing, so I didn’t know if I’d be fit to come here.
"I know that my tennis is improving. This match will help me. The first match was four hours. I don’t want to be out here for that long. I’m getting better with each step.
"This is what I’ve played for since I was young. I wanted to play in front of big crowds and whether they are with or against me, it was a tough atmosphere to deal with as they were with Thanasi, but I had a little fun back as well.
"It was so good to be out here; really happy with the amount of support you get here at these big tournaments. It’s unbelievable."
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