Jack Draper overcame a pro-Australian crowd to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis in five sets.
The British number one won his second successive deciding set on day four of the Australian Open to advance to round three.
Jack Draper had to do it the hard way as he overcame a two sets to one deficit to triumph 6-7(3), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 after four hours and 35 minutes of pulsating action.
The 23-year-old was not only battling an inspired opponent but also the crowd who were cheering on their fellow Australian with great gusto.
Jack Draper comments on the Australian Open after beating Thanasi Kokkinakis
Draper had a tough second round contest at the Australian Open against home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Not only was the 15th seed trailing, but he was one game away from defeat, before breaking to love and winning three successive games to level the match.
The atmosphere inside John Cain Arena was at fever pitch throughout the decider as the wounded Kokkinakis continued to battle hard.
Despite being booed on several occasions throughout the five-set contest, Draper found a way to overcome the adversity and book his spot in the third round.
Post-match Jack Draper shared some words about the raucous crowd. “This is what I have played for since I was a young guy,” he told John McEnroe on court.
“I want to play in front of big crowds and whether you guys are with me or against me, it was a tough atmosphere to deal with.
“You guys are obviously all with Thanasi but I had a little fun back. It was so good to be out here, really happy with the amount of support we get every year at these big tournaments. It’s unbelievable.”
Tennis fans criticised the Australian Open crowd watching Jack Draper take on Thanasi Kokkinakis
Draper also shared some kind words about Kokkinakis after they played a thrilling match on Wednesday at the Australian Open.
“Thanasi is an unbelievable player. Someone I have great respect for,” he said. “Every time I play him he brings his best tennis and especially here in Australia, he is so dangerous.
“Really proud of the way I competed today and the way I eventually came through. I’m really happy about that.”
Fans were thoroughly entertained by the performances of the two players, but some viewers took to X to criticise those in the arena who booed Draper. One user said: “Incredible fight back and character from Draper, again.
“Especially to not just beat Kokkinakis but also thousands of Aussies in the crowd,” and another wrote: “The Australian crowd are a disgrace, mocking Jack Draper’s faults and booing his retaken serves. You don’t see that at Wimbledon so be better.”
One other user posted during the contest: “The crowd is getting out of control, the umpire can only do so much. The only way you can stop is if Kokkinakis said something or if Draper stopped playing. Umpire is doing her best but falling on deaf ears.”
Furthermore, this user added: “Just wanna say, the Aussie crowd helped get Draper back into this rather than help Kokkinakis.
“They riled the Brit with their antics on serve and hooting on errors etc and have also now stopped supporting Kokk.”
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