Draper: "The insults from the people gave me the necessary energy to win"

The British emerged unscathed from a tremendous battle against Kokkinakis, resolved in five sets and with moments of high tension with the Australian crowd.

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 15 Jan 2025 | 21.23
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Jack Draper, insults from people. Photo: gettyimages
Jack Draper, insults from people. Photo: gettyimages

In hostile environments, there are only two types of people; those who rise up and those who shrink. Jack Draper demonstrated in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open that he belongs to the first group, overcoming not only a great rival but also a challenging crowd. The Briton continues to move forward and is the potential opponent of Alcaraz in the round of 16.

A player in clear evolution who conveys feelings of being able to achieve very important things. That's Jack Draper, who has reached the third round of the 2025 Australian Open after two great five-set battles. The last of these, against Thanasi Kokkinakis, was not without drama, with moments of tension as the Australian crowd at times went too far, even insulting the Briton. This is how a man who will now face Aleksandar Vukić and could be the rival of Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round described it in a press conference.

"It was an electrifying atmosphere, probably the most amazing I have ever played in. I received many insults from people in the front rows, and they really gave me the energy needed to win. In tough moments, they motivated me to give back everything they said in the form of victory. It was really fun, to be honest. I have thick skin and know how to handle these situations," said the Briton.

- Draper admits to feeling great self-confidence and believes he is ready for significant success

Being able to have such composure at just 23 years old is praiseworthy, especially in a player who has been dealing with some physical issues. However, as the matches go by, Jack Draper seems to feel much better. "I am proud of myself. I had many doubts about whether I could endure several long matches, but the confidence and self-belief I gained last year are helping me now. I don't feel as much pressure as in the early stage of my career," he pointed out.

"I have learned to relax, live in the present, and stay calm. Not letting frustration get the best of me is the best thing for my game. Physically, I feel incredibly good, so I would say that I am ready to achieve important things," emphasized a man who emerges as the first major threat to Carlos Alcaraz in this 2025 Australian Open, if both manage to meet in that round. To do so, they will have to defeat Vukić and Borges, respectively.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Draper: "Los insultos de la gente me dieron la energía necesaria para ganar"