Jack Draper makes feelings clear on Australian Open boos after epic comeback against Thanasi Kokkinakis
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Jack Draper has admitted he thrived as public enemy No 1 inside the John Cain Arena during his epic Australian Open win over Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The Aussie star had the home crowd on his side from the moment the players walked out onto court with Draper facing a patter of boos early on.
Those jeers only increased as the match wore on with Kokkinakis on the verge of victory in the fourth set.
But Draper managed to dig deep and find an extra gear when it mattered most to force win the final two sets and complete an impressive comeback.
Jack Draper embraced the hostile atmosphere
REUTERS
The British No 1 continued to be booed as he was serving for the match, but that clearly didn't phase him.
"This is what I play for," Draper said.
"Since I was a young guy, I wanted to play in front of big crowds, whether you guys are with me or against me.
"It was a tough atmosphere to deal with. You guys were obviously all with Thanasi but I had a little fun back as well."
When asked how he pulled off the comeback, Draper replied: "I don't know, it was a really tough match.
"Thanasi is an unbelievable player, someone who I have great respect for.
"Every time I play him he brings his best tennis, especially here in Australia he's so dangerous so really proud of the way I competed today and eventually came through it."
It's the second successive match that Draper has won from being two sets to one down and he's through to the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.
Jack Draper had to contend with being booed
REUTERS
The first major of the year represents Draper's return to competitive tennis after missing a large chunk of pre-season training due to a hip problem.
But Draper feels he's slowly getting back to full fitness and is hoping to be in better shape for his upcoming match against Aleksandar Vukic.
"I didn't play for a few weeks in the off season," he added.
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Thanasi Kokkinakis pushed Jack Draper all the way
REUTERS
"I was on the sidelines not really playing so I didn't know if I was going to be fit to come here.]
"I know that my tennis is improving. Obviously my first match was four hours and I don't want to be out here for that long but I'm getting better each set."
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