British No 1 wins epic match 6-7 (3), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 6-3Draper triumphs after ‘four hours-plus psychodrama’
For the second time in as many rounds, Jack Draper found himself on the brink of a desperate, early defeat, his difficult preparation during the off-season laid bare. He had been dragged around the court for three and a half hours, comprehensively outplayed by an opponent determined to eviscerate every last ball.
Leading two sets to one, Thanasi Kokkinakis stood at the baseline to serve for a place in the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career. Somehow, once again, the British No 1 again found a way through by offering yet another exhibition of his combativeness and heart.
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