British No 1 triumphs 6-4, 2-6, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (8)Player reaches Australian Open last 16 for first time
Throughout the early days of Jack Draper’s young career, questions around his physical preparedness for his chosen sport followed him wherever he went. As he continually struggled with injuries and endurance issues alike, Draper never failed to hear from those who believe he did not work hard enough, carry himself with sufficient professionalism or care enough about his craft.
Those days are over. Finito. For the third straight day in Melbourne Park, despite his stunted preparation and the rust that caked his game, Draper has somehow found a way to drag himself across the finishing line of yet another frantic five-set match he seemed destined to lose, drawing on his endless reserves of grit and heart in the process.
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