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

Jack Draper says a hostile crowd at the Australian Open energized him and wants the fans to bring more buzz to his third-round clash with Aleksandar Vukic on Friday.

During Niki Drapers 6-7 (7-3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 over home favorite Thanasis KokkinakisAustralian fans whistled or shouted 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 taking confidence from the back-to-back four-hour matches and will be hoping to repeat his success against Vukic.

“It was amazing, an electric atmosphere. He was obviously getting a lot of abuse from the crowd between serves,” Draper said after winning the second round.

“I think sometimes you don’t want to bother them or give it back. But to be fair, it gave me energy to do this.

“There were times when I was down, then I got into a tough game and I was feeling it a bit. It energized me by giving it back a bit, it’s just a bit of fun.

“They tell me things. It’s nice to hear it a little bit. They were whistling and talking between serves. It’s all fun, but when it comes to serving, it’s very difficult. But I have a 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 had 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 Masters 1000 and Grand Slam success in 2025.

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

“As a young player, when you get into these big events and you’re dealing with the media and the crowds, you’re playing tournaments that you’ve dreamed of playing since you were little and you’re expected to do well, it was a bit overwhelming for me at first.

“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 titles and making the U.S. semifinals gave me the confidence in my mind that I’m good enough and that I’m doing the right things.

“It has also given 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 Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, who ignored the crowd during his first-round win over Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.

Fearnley defeated Frenchman Arthur Cazaux 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-3 and broke more 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’ll be competing against each other with the British No 1 situation. 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 with Zverev but hopes to do well.

“It’s another massive match. I guess it’s going to be on a big pitch. He’s playing incredible. I know all these matches I get are extremely challenging,” Fearnley said.

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

“These matches don’t happen often. I try to love them and really stay in the present moment and just try to enjoy these huge matches because they’re some of the biggest I get to play.

“Being in the third round with Jack is really special. I’ve known him since we were very young and to be together in this tournament in the third round is awesome.

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

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

Sky Sports’ Jonathan Overend:

“Two five sets at the start of a Grand Slam – what an effort! And in fact, some of the best tennis has been in that last set of the match.

“Obviously, Kokkinakis was feeling the heat, he was feeling the pain and he was nowhere near serving as well as he could, but I thought Draper played an incredibly mature fifth set. He really kept his mind occupied and played smart.

“It’s never easy when you have to knock out a beaten opponent and we’ve seen people in the past struggle to deal with situations like this, but not Draper.

“He always looked in control, he had a slightly sticky moment in the middle of the set but he dealt with it so impressively. From that point on, there was realistically only one winner and what a shot to close it out.

“Who doesn’t love a thunderous forehand winner to win a match at a Grand Slam? Brilliant from Draper. Easier matches to come. Kokkinakis must be tired of watching the Brits after his thriller with Andy Murray a few years ago.”

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