British No.1 Jack Draper silenced a fervent Melbourne crowd to challenge local favorite Thanasi Kokkinakis and win a five-set classic to advance to the third round of the Australian Open.
Kokkinakis served for the match in the fourth set but 15th seed Draper staged a remarkable comeback to win 6-7 (7-3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 in four and a half hours. epic at John Cain Arena.
Asked by John McEnroe in his on-court interview how he had made the comeback, Draper said: “I don’t know, it was a really tough match. Thanas is an unbelievable player, someone I have a lot of respect for.
“I’m really proud of the way I competed today and finally made it. I’m really happy about that. I’m getting better every set and I’m really proud of the way I’m going with my tennis.”
Draper arrived at Melbourne Park still struggling to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season and he is yet to find his best form.
But the US Open semi-finalist again showed tremendous heart and fighting spirit to reach the third round here for the first time, where he will face another unseeded Australian. Aleksandar Vukic on friday. If Draper wins it, he could face Novak Djokovic in the fourth round.
There was criticism of 15th seed Draper when he took to the court, although it was not the bear pit created by Nick Kyrgios.
Kokkinakis was victorious after serving in the first game, but he produced a stunning performance, missing just three of his first 35 serves in the first set, which he leveled.
A double fault from Draper at 2-3 was costly, but he also lacked conviction in his groundstrokes in the crunch, while Kokkinakis didn’t falter in his full approach.
It seemed inconceivable that Kokkinakis would be able to maintain his level of serve and he promptly sank in the second set, a double fault costing him a break in the second game.
Kokkinakis fought back, but a terrific volley from the top of the net gave Draper another break for 5-3, and the British No. 1 converted to level the match.
He looked to be in the lead early in the third with Kokkinakis clearly in pain but couldn’t capitalize on his chances and the crowd roared as the Australian edged ahead again.
Controlling the atmosphere was becoming quite a task for umpire Marijana Veljovic and Kokkinakis sportingly awarded Draper a point in the fourth set after she had called a break for a riot just as the Briton hit the winner.
Kokkinakis was already a split and seemingly on his way to victory, but crossing the line has been the 28-year-old’s Achilles heel throughout his career.
Draper had experienced it in the Davis Cup last year when he beat the Australian and serving for a 5-4 victory, Kokkinakis held on, converting the break.
Two games later Draper broke again to win the set, clenching his fists in mock celebration as his opponent looked skyward.
Kokkinakis continued to swing in the deciding set but he couldn’t take a chance at 3-3, Draper earning boos from the crowd as he returned to his chair.
He had the last laugh, however, as Kokkinakis’ resistance was broken in the next game and Draper served to love.
Scot Fearnley comes from behind to beat Cazaux
Jacob Fearnley set up a third-round clash with second seed Alexander Zverev
Jacob Fearnley broke more new ground to set up a third-round clash with the second seed Alexander Zverev.
The 23-year-old’s professional tennis education has been in full swing and he followed up his first-round upset of Nick Kyrgios by beating Frenchman Arthur Cazaux 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-3.
It is the first time the Scot, who left college in the United States just last spring, has made the last 32 at a Grand Slam.
Fearnley would have expected a lower-key atmosphere than the cauldron he faced at John Cain Arena on Monday, but Melbourne Park’s Court 6 has a spectator bar on one side and fans set for the evening were keen to get through a good time. .
At least the Briton had his share of support this time around, with a lively section cheering for Cazaux, who knocked out 28th seed Sebastian Baez in the first round.
The competition got off to a false start as the rain swirled around Melbourne Park, Cazaux winning two games amid several delays before the players were forced off.
When they came back, Fearnley soon found himself 5-1 down, but he won back one of the breaks to get into the match and the momentum shifted from there.
He began to wear down the lightweight Cazaux, using his power to great effect, and after breaking serve to take the second set, Fearnley kept control of the contest to reach the third round.
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