Jack Draper wins longest match of 2025 Australian Open in Thanasi Kokkinakis epic as Jacob Fearnley also prevails
ATP
Jack Draper dug deep in order to take down home hope Thanasi Kokkinakis earlier on Wednesday afternoon sealing a 6-7(3-7), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over the Aussie ace at the Australian Open.
Kokkinakis who came in with injury doubts dispelled them as he served for the match at 5-4 in the fourth set but the 23-year-old Brit who also has been struggling pre tournament found something as he broke to love and went on to win the decider with a late break.
At four hours and 36 minutes, it is the longest match of the tournament and could yet be beaten by Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina who are still embroiled in Melbourne in the early hours of the morning.
"I don't know, it was a really tough match. Thanasi is an unbelievable player, someone I have great respect for," said Draper post match speaking to John McEnroe on court.
"I'm really proud of the way I competed today and I eventually came through. I'm very happy about that. I'm getting better each set and I'm really proud of the way I'm going about my tennis."
But that wasn't all. As British interest felled in Jodie Burrage, Draper was joined in the men's third round by childhood friend Jacob Fearnley. In his first overseas Grand Slam, he reached the Last 32 on his Australian Open debut.
The British number three continued his incredible rise adding to his win over Nick Kyrgios by defeating Arthur Cazaux 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 and like Draper, he dealt with a rowdy crowd to seal the win.
Having had the experience of the Kyrgios wall of noise, he perhaps was ready for anything and it showed as he kept his composure to take down the Frenchman. He will now face Alexander Zverev for a spot in the Last 16.
WHAT A BATTLE!
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 15, 2025
Jack Draper comes back from 3-5 down in the 4th set and beats Thanasi Kokkinakis in 4 hours and 36 minutes, the longest match of the tournament.
6-7(3), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Draper vs. Vukic on Friday (Alcaraz-Borges eight of the draw) pic.twitter.com/F46Lij7Whc
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