REACTION: JACK DRAPER RELIEVED TO COME THROUGH EPIC; PAYS TRIBUTE TO KOKKINAKIS
“It was a really tough match. Thanasi is an unbelievable player. Someone I have great respect for. Every time I play him, he brings his best tennis, especially here in Australia where he’s so dangerous. I’m really proud of the way I competed, and eventually I came through.
“It’s difficult; I think he was hurting quite a lot. He pulled out last week, and had a really long opening match. He came out here and he gave it his all. He was hurting, but credit to him. It was a great fight.
“I didn’t play for a few weeks in the off-season. I was on the sidelines not really playing, so I didn’t know if I’d be fit to come here. I know that my tennis is improving. This match will help me.
“The first match was four hours. I don’t want to be out here for that long. I’m getting better with each step.
“This is what I’ve played for since I was young. I wanted to play in front of big crowds and whether they are with or against me, it was a tough atmosphere to deal with as they were with Thanasi, but I had a little fun back as well.
“It was so good to be out here; really happy with the amount of support you get here at these big tournaments. It’s unbelievable.”
Australian Open 2025 Day 4 recap: Jack Draper wins five-set thriller after Gauff, Djokovic and Alcaraz progress
