Jack Draper showcased his incredible resilience once again at the Australian Open 2025, battling through another exhausting match to secure his place in the fourth round with a gripping victory over Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic. The British No. 1 triumphed with a score of 6-4, 2-6, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (10-8), marking his third consecutive five-set match as he continues to impress fans and critics alike.
The match was held at Melbourne Park and culminated just past midnight local time, as Draper battled not only his opponent but also the expectations of the home crowd cheering for Vukic. After dropping two sets to one, Draper faced pressure but demonstrated his ability to hold his nerve and fight back yet again, winning the decisive tiebreak. This victory sets up an exciting clash against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.
Draper's advancement through the tournament has been marked by intense matches, where he initially struggled against unseeded players but managed to adapt and emerge victorious. He admitted after the match against Vukic, “I’m just thinking about my recovery and getting off the court to be honest.” The pressure of consecutive five-set matches has caused concerns about his physical endurance, especially after dealing with injuries earlier in his season. Still, Draper is relishing the opportunity to face Alcaraz, whom he considers “a special talent.” This upcoming match will be their fourth career meeting.
The match against Vukic was laden with tension and dramatic swings, illustrating just how challenging five-set encounters can be. At one point, Vukic had Draper on the ropes at 5-2 lead during the fourth set, yet Draper summoned the strength to claw back, citing the exhilarating atmosphere and support from the crowd as sources of motivation. After battling through the match, Draper recounted, “I’m surprising myself,” reflecting on the mental and physical preparation he had undertaken leading up to the tournament.
Throughout the contest, Draper utilized various techniques to remain focused and calm. He has worked diligently on his breathing exercises to combat nerves and anxiety which have haunted him during prolonged matches. “I wouldn’t say I’m playing my best tennis…but I’m proud of my mentality, my body, and the way I competed,” Draper remarked.
While Draper seems to be on the winning track, Vukic's performance should not be overlooked. Known for his stoic presence on the court, the Australian broke Draper’s serve early and showed resilience throughout the match. His ability to adapt under pressure became evident as he reclaimed momentum, forcing Draper to respond repeatedly to his powerful serves.
The enthusiasm of the crowd added to the match's remarkable intensity, with Draper persevering through booing and whistling aimed at distracting him during pivotal points. He mentioned earlier tournament experiences with the fans, stating, “having the crowd against me just fires me up.” Draper seemed unfazed, welcoming the applause and ramping up his performance as the match progressed.
Both players’ paths to the third round have been arduous, but the stakes heightened with this clash. For Vukic, the match against Draper represented the apex of his hard work to reach the third round for the first time at the grand slam level. His strong showing, particularly after defeating the No. 22 seed, speaks to his growing prowess, even though he fell short against Draper.
Meanwhile, the tournament has seen other stars like Novak Djokovic also progressing smoothly, having comfortably dispatched Tomas Machac with set scores of 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic's seamless performance contrasted sharply with the tenacity displayed by Draper. Djokovic is pursuing his record-breaking 25th major title and appears to be hitting his stride at the right time.
Back at Draper’s match, the final set turned dramatically during the tiebreaker, which indicated the distinct pressures faced during such high-stakes competition. Draper needed to focus intently as the crowd swelled with anticipation, eager to witness every swing and rally closely.
The showdown against Alcaraz promises to be riveting, with fans eager to see how Draper's physicality holds up after consecutive matches. For Draper, it is not merely about the match; he is poised to cement his reputation as one of the top players this Australian Open. “It’s going to be incredible,” he said of the upcoming bout, signaling his readiness for what is sure to be yet another challenging encounter.
With the momentum on his side following yet another hard-fought victory and his strategy to overcome injuries, Draper stands undeterred as he steps onto the court once more.
The Australian Open 2025 continues to gather excitement as fans worldwide tune in to witness intense matches and thrilling rivalries. Draper’s efforts could very well signal the rise of another tennis star poised to challenge the established hierarchy of the sport.