By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [15] def Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7(3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3
- Draper v Aleksandar Vukic | H2H: First Meeting
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Jack Draper pulled off an astonishing comeback to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis in five sets and will now play Aleksandar Vukic for a place in the second week of the Australian Open.
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Jack Draper [15] def Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7(3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3
Jack Draper is into the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career but the British number one had to once again win in five sets against an inspired Thanasi Kokkinakis. The opening set saw both players dictate play on serve as they relied on their forehand to try and outsmart the other. It was Kokkinakis though who was the more efficient on return with the Australian creating the only break point of the set.
Draper remained unfazed by Kokkinakis and this out of control crowd on John Cain Arena as he held his nerve when it mattered most to force a first set tiebreak. It was a tense tiebreak with neither player hitting their best form but it was Kokkinakis who dug deep to take the tiebreak 7-3.
In the second set it was the 15th seed who made the much more aggressive start as he gave Kokkinakis very little time on the ball. The bold start from Draper was rewarded with a break of serve as he then consolidated to take a 3-0 lead. However, just like in his opening round match, Draper lacked a sustained concentration as he let Kokkinakis back into the match with a poor service game in the fifth game.
Both players went toe-to-toe after Kokkinakis broke back and were both fearless in their approach to the match. In the end it was Draper who took the more risks on return and the British number one was rewarded as a missed volley from Kokkinakis secured the break and a 5-3 lead. The 15th seed remained relaxed and calm as he confidently closed out the set as this match was at one set all.
In the third set both players were feeling the strain of the match with Kokkinakis having some treatment on his chest while Draper was looking fatigued. The Australian was being put under some intense pressure in the third set especially in the seventh game where he was forced to save a couple of break points in a long ten minute game.
That crucial hold of serve inspired Kokkinakis to new heights in front of a crazy John Cain Arena as he unleashed his forehand in order to break for a 5-3 lead. A dazed Draper couldn’t believe what was happening and those concerns were expanded when Kokkinakis served down an ace to secure a two set to one lead.
The momentum was with Kokkinakis and the Australian continued the momentum in the fourth set as he sent the crowd into a frenzy by breaking in the third game for a 2-1 lead. The match was now on Kokkinakis’ racket as he was holding serve with ease while Draper was narrowly avoiding the double break deficit. Towards the end of the set both players displayed incredible athleticism as Kokkinakis was edging towards victory.
However, the pressure got to Kokkinakis when it really mattered and Draper capitalised producing aggressive tennis to break back to love and level the set at 5-5. A tense and dramatic affair was about to have another plot twist as Draper started to give it to the crowd as he was re-energised and refocused.
A missed backhand passing shot gave the crowd false hope that Kokkinakis had broken but instead Draper saved break point and held to take a 6-5 lead. That freed up Draper’s game as he broke to secure the fourth set and cupped his ears in confidence as he forced a deciding set.
In the final set both players gave their 100% best in order to seal an important win but there was only going to be one winner. Draper was winning the physical battle and he was about to win the mental battle as well. After holding in a tight game, Draper broke Kokkinakis’ serve with ease to have the chance to serve for the match.
A comfortable service hold secured back-to-back five set wins and with it a place in the third round of the Australian Open for the first time.
Jack Draper [15] v Aleksandar Vukic H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [15] v Aleksandar Vukic | H2H: First Meeting |
| Australian Open 2025 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: A$290,000 |
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Draper will now face another Australian in the form of Aleksandar Vukic for a place in the second week of the Australian Open.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 18) | Aleksandar Vukic (WR 68) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Second Round (2024) | Second Round (2022) |
| 1st Serve % | 58.8 | 59.6 |
| Service Games Won % | 84.1 | 81 |
| Break Points Saved % | 61.1 | 61.8 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.2 | 46.6 |
| Break Points Converted % | 43.6 | 40 |
Draper will aim to improve his consistency on serve as he takes one of the most improved players of the last couple of years.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
After a fantastic 2023 season, Vukic had a steadier 2024 season which was a big learning curve in terms of how brutal the regular tour can be. The Australian will be hoping he can have a better year in 2025 and has started it in fine fashion by reaching the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.
Draper will need to maintain his concentration on serve throughout the contest as he will use the forehand to dictate play from the baseline. Meanwhile Vukic will look to serve well as he will use the backhand to move Draper into uncomfortable positions on the court. This should be a competitive contest but the Brit should have too much consistent quality for Vukic.
Prediction: Draper in four sets.
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