Jack Draper says a hostile crowd at the Australian Open has energized him and he wants the fans to make more noise for his third-round match 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 received.
However, the British No. 1 is brimming with confidence after going through back-to-back four-hour matches and hopes to repeat his success against Vukic.
“It was an incredible, electric atmosphere. There was obviously a lot of offense from the crowd between serves,” Draper said after winning the second round.
“I think sometimes you don't want to annoy them or fight back. But to be honest, it gave me the energy to do it.
“There were times when I was down, then I went through a tough game and I felt it a little bit. It gave me the energy to get back to it a little bit, it's just a little fun.
“They tell me things. It's nice to eavesdrop a little bit. They were whistling and talking between serves. It's all fun, but when you're going to serve, it's really hard. But I'm thick-skinned.”
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Draper is through to the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career after a five-set thriller against Thanasi Kokkinakis
When Draper was asked if it was the worst abuse he's experienced, he agreed, but also said 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,” Draper added. “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 you have to deal with the media and the crowd, 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 too much for me at first.
“I feel like, especially at the end of last year, I've built a lot of confidence, a lot of faith.
“I think winning the titles and making it to the US semifinals just gave me confidence in my mind that I'm good enough and doing the right things.
“It gave me a sense of calm, too. 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 Great 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 to break 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'll be competing against each other in the British No.1 situation. I think it's great for British tennis and we're lucky to have him.”
Fearnley admitted he is 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 challenging,” Fearnley said.
“I get nervous, but I know how lucky I am to have these experiences and to play these matches.
“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 huge matches because they're some of the biggest I can play.
“Being in the third round with Dzeko is really special. I've known him since we were very young and to be together in this tournament in the third round is great.
“Obviously we're doing our thing and trying to get as far as we can.”
Draper will face home favorite Aleksandar Vukić in the third round of the Australian Open
'Kokinakis 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 actually, some of his best tennis was in that final set of the match.
“Granted, Kokinakis was feeling the heat, the pain, and he's nowhere near serving his best, but I thought Draper played an incredibly mature fifth set. He really engaged his brain and played sensibly.
“It's never easy when you have to take out a stricken opponent and we've seen people in the past struggle to deal with that kind of situation, but not Draper.
“He was always 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 moment on there was realistically only one winner and what a shot to close it out.
“Who doesn't like a thunderbolt forehand winner to win a Grand Slam match? Brilliant from Draper. There are easier matches ahead. Kokinakis must be sick of the sight of the Brits after his thriller with Andy Murray a few years ago.”
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