Jack Draper sends message to Australian Open crowd after losing his temper and being booed in hard win
WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Jack Draper wins at Australian Open
Jack Draper has thanked the Australian Open crowd, despite being booed and jeered at times, following his victory over Alexandar Vukic on Friday.
The Briton's match once again went the distance, with Draper winning in five sets following other triumphs over Thanasi Kokkinakis and Mariano Navone.
The 23-year-old, speaking after the showdown at the Margaret Court Arena, admitted he was pleased to come through unscathed.
Draper lost his cool towards the end of the third set, with the tennis star uncharacteristically smashing his racket.
Jack Draper has thanked the Australian Open crowd, despite being booed and jeered at times, following his victory over Alexandar Vukic on Friday
REUTERS
That sparked boos around the ground, with Draper becoming the villain of the night.
However, despite the hostile atmosphere, he was still able to get the job done and book his place in the fourth round.
Speaking after his win, Draper thanked those in attendance.
"Firstly, Alex played incredible. It was an unbelievably tough match," he admitted.
"Both of us have played a lot of sets in our first couple of rounds so I knew it was going to be a really tough match.
"There were so many ebbs and flows. It was just great tennis.
"I always appreciate you guys staying out so late for us, it was a great match"
Draper also conceded that he had perhaps been complacent at times, having felt he'd done enough to secure victory when he went 3-1 up in the fifth and final set.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic calls out Tim Henman at Australian Open over Andy Murray comments - 'I saw'
"I thought it was done and he just came back from the dead," he admitted.
"He was playing incredibly. I think we are suffering a lot in the five sets and sometimes you get a little energy boost.
"It was just a great battle with two competitors going at it. That's what sport is all about so it was good.
"My body doesn't feel too great, luckily I have a good physio!
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jack Draper will now face Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round of the Australian Open
REUTERS
"I think mentally I have really competed hard. I have loved the atmosphere and playing in front of loads of people.
"It's given me a lot of energy to keep pushing, so I'm surprising myself."
Next up for Draper is a blockbuster showdown with Carlos Alcaraz, with that match poised to take place on Sunday.
But the Briton isn't keen to discuss that upcoming clash due to his desire to rest, having been on court for over 12 hours at the competition so far.
Jack Draper was eventually too strong for Alexandar Vukic in their Australian Open clash
REUTERS
"I'm just thinking about my recovery and getting off the court to be honest," he continued.
"I don't want to think about him yet. Carlos is a special talent, an unbelievable player and someone I have a good relationship with.
"I think it's going to be an incredible match and hopefully my body pulls up and I can give it my all. It will be a great contest."
You may like
