Rising British tennis star Jack Draper delivered yet another herculean effort at the Australian Open, digging deep within himself to outlast home favorite Aleksandar Vukic 6-4, 2-6, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (8) in a grueling third round encounter. The 20-year-old left-hander, competing in Melbourne for just the second time, had to summon every ounce of grit and determination to survive the three hour, 58 minute slugfest that ended just before 1 AM local time.
Draper Shows Newfound Stamina and Heart
Concerns about Draper’s physical preparedness have long dogged the promising young talent. Frequent injuries and difficulties closing out matches raised doubts about his work ethic and commitment to the sport. But the Brit’s gutsy performances this fortnight have emphatically put those whispers to rest.
Draper has now spent over 12 and a half grueling hours on court across his first three matches, each one pushed to a fifth set. It’s a far cry from just a year ago, when he was vomiting into a rubbish bin after surviving his first career five-setter. The turnaround is a testament to Draper’s improved fitness and mental fortitude.
My body doesn’t feel too great, lucky I’ve got a good physio. Mentally, I’ve really competed hard…I’m surprising myself.
– Jack Draper, on his Australian Open run
Surviving Vukic’s Inspired Play
Facing Draper on the grand stage brought out some of the very best tennis of Vukic’s career. The Australian, playing in slam third round for the first time, unleashed a relentless barrage of forehand aggression and pinpoint serving. He snatched the second and third sets and generated two match points deep in the fifth set tiebreak.
But Draper refused to wilt under the immense pressure. Trailing 6-5 in the fourth set tiebreak, he eviscerated a down-the-line backhand to draw level before forcing a decider. Then, staring down match points at 6-8 in the final tiebreak, Draper once again produced his boldest, most courageous tennis to close out a famous victory.
Marquee Matchup with Alcaraz Looms
Draper’s reward for navigating his early round gauntlets is a blockbuster clash with world No. 3 and reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz. It will be a stern test of just how far Draper’s newfound stamina and resolve can carry him.
I don’t want to think about him yet.
– Draper, on his impending matchup with Alcaraz
If Draper is to spring the upset against the prodigious Spaniard, he will need to maintain the steely determined focus that has defined his Australian Open campaign thus far. With his unrelenting fighting spirit and refusal to lose, an exhausted but emboldened Draper may just like his chances.
- Draper’s marathon five-set wins showcase improved endurance and grit
- Brit overcomes inspired play from Vukic and immense pressure
- Alcaraz clash will be ultimate test of Draper’s new resolve
