John McEnroe risked a backlash from the Australian Open crowd by saluting Jack Draper following his victory over home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis on Wednesday.
The Briton was pushed to his limit during the showdown but was eventually able to win 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 to progress to the third round of the competition.
Draper was booed as he walked out on court, with the fans backing their player instead.
And McEnroe risked a backlash by saluting the Briton on his efforts.
John McEnroe risked a backlash from the Australian Open crowd by saluting Jack Draper following his victory over home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis on Wednesday
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“As an ex-player and a commentator who calls a lot of matches, I think I speak on behalf of the crowd when I say thank you to you and your opponent for witnessing one of the great matches and efforts that I’ve seen in quite a while,” he said.
“Really well done.
“Now, tell me how the hell you just pulled that off?”
While the Australian Open crowd could have been forgiven for being unhappy with Kokkinakis’ exit, they showed class by applauding Draper as he spoke.
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The tennis star admits that he doesn’t want all of his matches to go on for over four hours.
Yet Draper feels he’s learned a thing or two after being pushed all the way.
“I didn’t play for a few weeks,” he admitted. “In the off-season, I was on the sidelines, not really playing.
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“I didn’t know if I was going to be fit to come here. I know that my tennis is improving. This match would have really helped me.
“The first match was also four hours. I don’t want to be out here for that long!’
Draper made the semi-finals of the US Open in 2024 but ultimately couldn’t go all the way, with Jannik Sinner knocking him out.
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Jack Draper was unfazed by the hostile reception he received as he made the third round of the Australian Open
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He has performed well at the Australian Open so far, even if he’s had to work extra hard to keep his dreams of glory alive.
And Draper has admitted he enjoys the ‘unbelievable’ feeling of making it through to round three.
“This is what I’ve played for since I was a young guy,” he said.
Jack Draper is dreaming of Australian Open glory this winter
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“I wanted to play in front of big crowds, whether you guys are with me or against me.
“It was a tough atmosphere to deal with. Obviously you were all with Thanasi but I had a little fun back as well.
“It was so good to be out here, and I’m really happy with the amount of support we get here at these big tournaments. It’s unbelievable.”