Australian Open 2025: Jack Draper beats Aleksandar Vukic & faces Carlos Alcaraz next in Melbourne

When the Briton clinched the first set against Vukic in 30 minutes, it seemed like a more straightforward night would lie ahead.

Vukic, a 28-year-old late bloomer playing in the third round of a major for the first time, caused damage with his forehand but did not have the consistency to turn an early break into a lead.

Draper fought back with the help of some explosive hitting, including a running forehand winner around the net post which drew gasps from the crowd.

However, Draper’s level plummeted in the second and third sets as Vukic turned the match around.

Smashing a racquet on the court, and having a pop at the booing fans, allowed a tense Draper to let off some steam before the fourth.

A tight set produced more shots from both men worthy of the match highlights reel, including a precise inside-out forehand across the court and a backhand volley from Vukic which saved two set points.

Draper continued to move forward in the court more at the start of the decider, helping him pinch an early break.

Vukic, who was also taken the distance for a third straight match, fed off the crowd energy to recover again.

The first-to-10 match tie-break was a fitting end to settle the contest and Draper, having led 3-0 and trailed 6-5, placed an unreturned first serve down the middle on his second match point.

“It was an unbelievably tough match. Both of us have played a lot of sets already so I knew it would be hard. It was a lot of ebbs and flows,” said Draper.

“I thought it was done and he came back from the dead. It was a great battle and two competitors going at it. That’s what sport is all about.”