A dramatic second-round matchup at the 2025 Australian Open unfolded on January 19 between no. 15 seed Jack Draper and Australian star Thanasi Kokkinakis, captivating tennis fans with thrilling moments and outstanding displays of sportsmanship. Draper came from behind to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, forcing intense emotions among the crowd at John Cain Arena.
With the match on the line, Kokkinakis, trailing two sets to one, faced intense pressure serving as he led the fourth set 3-1. A rally seemed to put him on track to win the point when it was suddenly halted by chair umpire Marijana Veljovic, who ruled to replay the point after confusion arose about the timing of her call—prompting loud protests from the audience. During the turbulent atmosphere, Kokkinakis made the selfless decision to award the point to Draper, demonstrating remarkable sportsmanship. "I don’t know what happened ... Kokkinakis has give him the point - that's good sportsmanship!" exclaimed tennis legend John McEnroe, reported by Nine.
Despite the admirable act, Kokkinakis could not maintain the lead. Draper capitalized on this momentum shift, illustrating his fighting spirit by battling back to force the match to a decisive fifth set. The crowd, heavily favoring the local favorite Kokkinakis, witnessed nerves beginning to fray as the match progressed. Todd Woodbridge described the culmination of the tension, noting, "Draper completes the comeback and breaks Australia's hearts, a super match from two wonderful competitors."
The match exemplified both players' resilience. Draper’s tenacity emerged when he faced insurmountable odds; his ability to manage his emotions proved pivotal. Kokkinakis, on the other hand, contended with physical challenges, most noticeably his shoulder pain, which not only impacted his performance but also added to the mounting weight of expectation. Desperate to win and advance to the third round, Kokkinakis continued to push through the pain. "This is what I play for since I was young," concluded Draper, expressing his gratitude for the atmosphere, even if it meant performing against the odds.
The final set was electrifying, with both competitors pushing each other to their limits. Draper exhibited remarkable shot-making prowess, countering Kokkinakis's powerful serves with precision volleys and deep groundstrokes. Drama unfolded as Kokkinakis fought valiantly to stave off match point, leading the crowd to erupt with excitement every time he drew level, yet lapses from him pushed Draper closer to taking the match.
Despite the home crowd's undeterred support for Kokkinakis, Draper maintained his focus. After rallying to break Kokkinakis when it mattered most, Draper served for the match as the games hit 5-3. The match summarized the spirit of tennis—intense rivalry, honor, and exceptional skill—culminated with Draper's final strokes, claiming victory after four grueling hours of play. "It was expletive brilliant match, the best of the championships so far," noted one commentator, emphasizing the excitement surrounding this encounter.
Draper's comeback not only secured his position against Alexsandar Vukic for the next round but will likely be remembered as the defining moment of this year’s tournament, showcasing the best of what competitive tennis can offer. Kokkinakis will reflect on his effort and the missed opportunity for another all-Australian clash, but both players undoubtedly left their mark on the memories of spectators watching this historic battle.