Jack Draper says a hostile crowd at the Australian Open gave him energy and hopes fans will bring more noise to his third-round match against Alexander Vukic on Friday.

period Draper beat home favorite Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7 (7-3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3After the game, Australian fans whistled or shouted to distract the England number one, which he described as the worst “abuse” he had ever received.

However, the British number one has gained confidence during the four-hour stretch and will be looking to replicate his success against Vukic.

“It was great, the atmosphere was electric. Obviously there was a lot of abuse from the crowd between serves,” Draper said after his second-round victory.

“I think sometimes you don’t want to piss them off or repay them. But to be fair, it gave me the energy to do that.

“There are times when I’m down and then I have a tough game and I feel a little bit. It gives me energy and brings me back a little bit and it’s just a little bit of fun.

“They said some things to me. It would have been nice to listen a little bit. They whistled and talked in between serves. It was fun, but when you’re about to serve, it’s really difficult. But I’ve developed a thick skin.”

When Draper was asked if this was the worst abuse he had ever experienced, he agreed, but also noted that it was the “best atmosphere” he had ever experienced.

The 23-year-old won two ATP titles and reached the semi-finals of the US Open last year and is now targeting success at the 2025 Masters 1000 event and the Grand Slams.

“I’ve been doing a lot of physical work for a long time,” Draper added. “That’s part of it when people say ‘Oh, you’re not fit enough’.

“As a young player when you play in these big tournaments you have to deal with the media and the crowds, you’re playing in a game you’ve dreamed of playing since you were a kid and you’re expected to perform well, which was a bit too much for me at the beginning. .

“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 the championship and making it to the U.S. semifinals gave me a sense of security that I felt like I was good enough and that I was doing the right things.

“It also gives me a sense of calm. I no longer have so much weight on my shoulders and feel more relaxed.”

Draper proud of ‘special talent’ Fearnley

Draper, who joins fellow Briton Jacob Fearnley in the third round, ignored the crowd in his first-round victory over Australian Nick Kyrgios.

Fearnley defeated France’s Arthur Cazaux 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-3 and broke more new ground, setting up a third-round meeting with second seed Alexandre Cazaux. Alexander Zverev clashes.

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

“He’s always been a special talent. Obviously he and I are good friends, but we’ll be competing against each other for the number one spot in the UK. I think it’s great for British tennis and we’re lucky to have him. “

Fearnley admitted to feeling nervous ahead of his match against Zverev but hopes to take it all in stride.

“It’s another big game. I think it’s going to be on a big court. He’s been unbelievable. I know all these games I’ve been in are going to be challenging,” Fearnley said.

“I’m definitely nervous, but I know how lucky I am to have these experiences and play in these games.

“These games don’t come around very often. I try to cherish them and really live in the moment and try to enjoy these big games because they are one of the most important games I can play in.

“It’s really special to go into the third round with Jack. I’ve known him since we were little and it’s great to be able to go into the championship together in the third round.

“Obviously, we’re doing our thing and doing the best we can.”

‘Kokkinakis must be tired of the British gaze‘

Sky Sports’ Jonathan Overlund:

“Two five sets at the beginning of a Grand Slam match – what a hard work! In fact, his best tennis performance came in the last set of the match.

“There’s no denying that Kokkinakis felt the heat, felt the pain and was nowhere near his best serving, but I thought Draper played an incredibly mature fifth set. Really engaged His brain and playing smart.

“It’s never easy when you have to get rid of an injured opponent and we’ve seen guys struggle with that in the past but not Draper.

“He always looked in control and there was a bit of a tricky moment midway through the set but handled it very impressively. From that moment on there was really only one winner and what a great opportunity to finish the game off ”

“Who doesn’t love winning a Grand Slam with a thundering forehand winner? Draper’s performance was outstanding. Easier games are yet to come. Kokkinakis must have been tired of it a few years ago What a sight to see after a thrilling game with Andy Murray.”

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