Jack Draper and Thanasi Kokkinakis exchange messages on social media after ‘crazy’ Australian Open match

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Jack Draper and Thanasi Kokkinakis played out arguably the match of the Australian Open so far, with the Briton coming out on top.

Kokkinakis drew praise for his sportsmanship during the five-set thriller, where Draper won 6-7(3-7), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.

British number one Draper said it was a ‘tough atmosphere’ against Kokkinakis, with the majority of the crowd having been cheering for the Australian.

But the ATP number 18 managed to pull through to secure a third round place after his four-hour-35-minute victory over Kokkinakis.

John Cain Arena played host to the Australian Open epic, with Draper now taking on another Australian in Aleksandar Vukic.

Jack Draper and Thanasi Kokkinakis exchange messages after Australian Open epic

That match will take place on Margaret Court Arena, but he won’t forget his thriller with Kokkinakis in a hurry, having messaged his recent opponent on social media shortly after knocking him out of the tournament.

“Crazy night against a great player and competitor in Thanasi Kokkinakis,” Draper wrote on Instagram. “Onto R3.”

READ MORE: Jack Draper has noticed what Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic always do in practice after training with them recently

And much to the delight of many, Kokkinakis quickly issued a response: “Many battles ahead mate, well done.”

Injuries prevent Thanasi Kokkinakis from ATP rankings rise

Both players used the crowd to their advantage at different stages of the night, even if it was very much pro-Kokkinakis.

But Draper gave it back to the supporters, often seen cupping his ear and raising his arms after important points were won.

The crowd undoubtedly responded in a positive way, having simply been grateful to have been in attendance for such a classic encounter.

Both players, who have had their fair share of injury struggles in recent times, battled through the pain once more to put on a real show.

And injuries have certainly prevented Kokkinakis from reaching his full potential, with the 28-year-old remarkably boasting a career-high rank of only 65.

READ MORE: Thanasi Kokkinakis admits he’s going through ‘physical torture’ as he opens up about his injury issues following defeat to Jack Draper

He is, of course, also a talented doubles player, having once reached 15 in the rankings and having clinched three titles.

But his singles career, which includes just one title, is somewhat of an anomaly on the ATP Tour, with Kokkinakis certain to have enjoyed more success if not for his injury issues, which have involved his shoulder, pectoral and thigh this month alone.