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Jack Draper survives another Australian Open thriller to set up Carlos Alcaraz clash - live updates

The Australian Open continues as Jack Draper set up a clash against Carlos Alcaraz after winning in five sets for the third match in a row, this time surviving a match tiebreak to defeat Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic.

After beating Thanasi Kokkinakis in the previous round, the British No 1 claimed another marathon win against an Australian player, fighting from two sets to one down for the third match in a row. Draper held his nerve to win 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 7-6 (10-8) at 1am local time, setting up a blockbuster fourth-round contest with Alcaraz.

Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, overcame physical struggles to beat Tomas Machac in straight-sets in his best match of the tournament so far. Djokovic had dropped sets to inexperienced opponents in the early rounds, but dismissed Machac 6-1 6-4 6-4.

In the women’s singles, Aryna Sabalenka continued her winning run at the Australian Open while Coco Gauff stormed past Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-2, but two-time champion Naomi Osaka is out after she was forced to retire from her match against Belinda Bencic.

Follow all the latest scores and results from Melbourne Park below:

Australian Open latest scores and results

  • Australian Open third round begins in Melbourne

  • Jack Draper through to fourth round after another epic five-set comeback

  • Draper beats Australia's Aleksandar Vukic in match tiebreak at 1am local time

  • Britsh No 1 will play Carlos Alcaraz after reaching last-16 for first time

  • Novak Djokovic overcomes physical struggles to beat Tomas Machac 6-1 6-4 6-4

  • Jacob Fearnley beaten in straight sets by second seed Alexander Zverev

  • Aryna Sabalenka through to fourth round despite shaky win

  • Naomi Osaka forced to retire after first set against Belinda Bencic

  • Coco Gauff to play Bencic next after beating Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-2

Australian Open:

14:36 , Jamie Braidwood

While Jack Draper has taken the long road to the Australian Open fourth round, Carlos Alcaraz has breezed through.

The 21-year-old dropped his first set of the tournament earlier today against Nuno Borges but has hardly been pushed so far. He’s spent less than seven hours or court while Draper has spent over 12 hours...

Alcaraz results

R3: 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-2 vs Borges (two hours, 55 minutes)

R2: 6-0 6-1 6-3 vs Nishioka (one hour, 21 minutes)

R1: 6-1 7-5 6-1 (one hour, 54 minutes)

Draper results

R3: vs Vukic (three hours, 53 minutes)

R2: vs Kokkinakis (four hours, 35 minutes)

R1: vs Navone (four hours, one minute)

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(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper on Carlos Alcaraz clash

14:21 , Jamie Braidwood

"I'm just thinking about my recovery and getting off the court to be honest. I don't want to think about him yet. He's a special talent, an unbelievable player, someone I have a good friendship with. I think it's gonna be an incredible match, and hopefully my body pulls up and I can give it my all – and it will be a great contest."

This will be the fourth career meeting between Draper and Alcaraz. Their last match came at last year’s Queens tournament, with Draper beating Alcaraz on the grass. Before then, they met on the hard courts at Indian Wells but Draper retired with an injury midway through the second set.

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(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper passes another marathon match

14:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper barely had a pre-season after injuring his hip in December, so to come through three five-set matches in a row is just incredible. He admits he has surprised himself.

"My body doesn't feel too great, luckily I've got a good physio,” Draper says.

“But I think just mentally I've really competed hard, I've loved the atmosphere just playing in front of so many people.

“It's given me a lot of energy to keep on pushing and pushing, and I'm surprising myself."

Australian Open: Jack Draper speaks on court

14:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Jack Draper, speaking to Jim Courier on court.

"Firstly, Alex played incredible. It was an unbelievably tough match. Both of us have played a lot of sets in our first couple of rounds.

“There were so many ebbs and flows, it was just great tennis. I appreciate you guys staying out so late for us, it was a great match

“I thought it was done, and then he just came back from the dead. He was playing incredible.

“I think we're suffering a lot, obviously, in the five sets and sometimes you get a little energy.

“It was just a great battle, and two competitors going at it. That's what sport's all about.”

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(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper through to fourth round

14:07

Remember when there were doubts over Draper’s physicality?

Well he’s just won his third five-set match in a row to reach the Australian Open fourth round.

He wins again in four hours, after playing the longest match of his career, in almost five hours, against Thanasi Kokkinakis in the previous round.

There is plenty of respect as Draper and Vukic shake hands at the net, and Draper is receiving applause too from the crowd. It has not been overly hostile.

Vukic, who was bidding to reach the fourth round of grand slam for the first time, let the win of his life slip away. The 28-year-old receives a standing ovation as he leaves the court.

Australian Open: GAME, SET AND MATCH

13:56

Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 7-6 (10-8) Aleksandar Vukic

JACK DRAPER SURVIVES AGAIN AND IS THOUGH TO THE FOURTH ROUND!

Draper finds the massive serve down the middle and Vukic, who has played the match of his life, can’t return!

The British No 1 fights came from two sets to one down for the third match in a row, this time in four hours and in the match tiebreak, to reach the last-16 for the first time.

He will play Carlos Alcaraz next!

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(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 6-6 Aleksandar Vukic - MATCH TIEBREAK

13:55

Draper attacks the second serve but doesn’t move in... instead, he goes short, and Vukic nets!

MATCH POINTS to Draper! 9-7

Draper tries to end it now... he goes big on the return, but it’s out!

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 6-6 Aleksandar Vukic - MATCH TIEBREAK

13:51

Huge break for Draper! The net-cord comes to help him, as Draper then finds the forehand winner past Vukic from the net! Did he touch the net, though? 6-6 on back on serve.

Massive backhand winner from Draper! He steps in and powers it for a winner. 7-6.

Draper goes long on the backhand and Vukic stays alive! 7-7

A nervy point... as Vukic floats the slice long! 8-7 to Draper

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 6-6 Aleksandar Vukic - MATCH TIEBREAK

13:47

Pure class from Draper! The forehand from inside the baseline drops in for a winner. 4-3

Draper could have done more on the next forehand from mid-court. He nets.

And now Vukic leads as Draper fires wide on the backhand return. 4-5

A big serve from Draper just when he needed it. 5-5

Draper pushes the drop-shot... but Vukic reaches it and flicks it back, Draper can’t reach it! Vukic leads 5-6, with serves to come

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 6-6 Aleksandar Vukic - MATCH TIEBREAK

13:43 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper strikes first as Vukic puts a tired forehand into the net! A nervy start from the Australian! 1-0

It’s followed by an ace from Draper, and then Vukic fires wide on the return. Great start. 3-0

Vukic steadies. Moving well, he wins both points behind serve. 3-2

And Draper is forced into the miss as Vukic roars! 3-3 at the changeover, but still on serve

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 6-6 Aleksandar Vukic - MATCH TIEBREAK

13:42 , Jamie Braidwood

We are going the full distance. A first-to-10 match tiebreak coming up for a place in the fourth round.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 5-6 Aleksandar Vukic

13:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Brilliant hands from Draper to win the opening point! He puts away the volley after the net exchange.

Draper then digs out a half-volley, facing a huge Vukic return. The Australian strikes the net-cord.

30-0. Vukic nets on the return. 40-0.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 5-6 Aleksandar Vukic

13:40 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper must hold to take this to a tiebreak but has to put up with whistling from the crowd.

The umpire asks for some respect.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 5-6 Aleksandar Vukic

13:38

The serving from both players has gone up a level.

Draper goes for the forehand down the line but sends it long by an inch.

Draper had the chance to attack Vukic but went for the drop shot and doesn’t do enough with it.

Vukic thrashes the forehand down the line and moves ahead once more.

6-5.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 5-5 Aleksandar Vukic*

13:33 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper with new balls as he serves to stay in the match.

He does so with authority. Another ace for Draper, followed by a first serve that Vukic puts into the net.

What a time for a love-hold.

5-5.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 4-5 Aleksandar Vukic

13:32 , Jamie Braidwood

That’s lights out from Vukic. Everything he’s going for now is coming off, from the drop shot to a forehand volley landed onto the line.

Vukic goes for the running forehand winner down the line... and of course it lands in.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 4-4 Aleksandar Vukic*

13:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Solid from Draper to deny the charging Vukic, who landed a passing winner cross court to get to 15-15.

From there, Draper plays three excellent points behind serve, directing the forehand with confidence.

4-4 in the fifth.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 3-4 Aleksandar Vukic

13:25

Suddenly Vukic is playing at a superhuman level. From 1-3 down, he leads 4-3 in the decider and looks to have the momentum.

A monster leap and smash sends the crowd wild, and he thumps down the ace to move ahead. He is energised again.

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(Getty Images)

Australian Open: BREAK! Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 3-3 Aleksandar Vukic*

13:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Vukic is back. The Australian raises his arms after rediscovering his forehand strike. He punishes the ball at Draper and brings up three break points.

Draper will have to dig himself out of another hole. Draper saves the first two, and there is noise from the crowd as he can’t find the first serve.

Third break point: Vukic attacks, Draper goes for the drop shot and Vukic finds the easy pass at the net.

Another big twist! Back on serve after it was nearly 4-1.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 3-2 Aleksandar Vukic

13:18 , Jamie Braidwood

A huge hold from Vukic. He saves four break points, finding energy to keep Draper at bay.

The British No 1 pushed hard for that and found a stunning forehand winner.

But Vukic stayed solid on the pressure points, finding his serves.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 3-1 Aleksandar Vukic*

13:14 , Jamie Braidwood

More pressure from Draper, with impressive depth to the baseline, forcing more errors from Vukic.

Vukic goes for another big forehand winner but he finds the net and brings up two break points for Draper.

Vukic roars as he saves them both! He stays aggressive and finds the forehand strike past Draper.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 3-1 Aleksandar Vukic*

13:10

It’s all become a little ragged from Vukic. He blasts wide again on the forehand as Draper closed the net and narrowed the angle.

From there, Draper closes the hold to consolidate the break. He seals it with a brilliant forehand winner onto the baseline!

Australian Open: BREAK! *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 2-1 Aleksandar Vukic

13:06 , Jamie Braidwood

A Vukic double fault and error hands Draper some encouragement. He digs in on the baseline and Vukic nets on the forehand.

Break point. Vukic runs around his forehand... but blasts wide! Draper earns the advantage in early in the fifth!

He capitalises on Vukic dropping his level!

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 1-1 Aleksandar Vukic*

13:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Vukic doesn’t move to reach the Draper serve out wide on 40-0. The Briton holds to love as both players tick off their opening games without any fuss.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 0-1 Aleksandar Vukic

12:59

Vukic serves first in the decider and starts off with a forehand winner up the line, as we tick past the three-hour mark.

Vukic holds as Draper blasts long.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 Aleksandar Vukic

12:56

Draper is forced to wait as Vukic heads off court.

Both players had chances in that set, with five break points for Draper and four for Vukic.

At one point, Draper was 0-40 down at 2-2.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 Aleksandar Vukic

12:51

WE’RE GOING TO A FIFTH! Draper stays alive in the tiebreak, he finds the first serve and slams away the volley!

That’s daylight robbery from the British No 1. Vukic played so well and was so solid against the pressure. He didn’t give anything away.

Draper just took it to Vukic and stepped up the aggression. A big, big test passed from Draper as he heads to a third fifth set of the tournament.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 6-6 Aleksandar Vukic - TIEBREAK!

12:47

Vukic raises his hand as he just clips the net and passes the onrushing Draper with the backhand. 3-4.

Draper controls the smash, under big pressure. 4-4.

Draper with another aggressive approach into the net. He puts away the volley and Vukic can’t return. 5-4.

Brilliant defending from Draper, who can’t do much more. Vukic is ice-cool and puts away the overhead. 5-5.

Awesome depth from Draper! He steps it up and will have set point, on serve! Vukic can’t return. 6-5.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 6-6 Aleksandar Vukic - TIEBREAK!

12:41

Excellent start from Draper with the first-serve down the middle, sliding away from Vukic. 1-0.

Vukic returns with two super points. He puts away the overhead and then reaches the Draper pass at the net, controlling the volley. He is playing so well. 1-2.

A wilder swing from Vukic, into the net. Draper goes to the drop shot and Vukic can’t reach it. 3-2.

3-3 and still on serve at the change of ends.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 6-6 Aleksandar Vukic - TIEBREAK!

12:40

Awesome from Draper, moving into the net to swat the volley and bring up set point.

But Vukic has nerves of steel and saves it again with the drop-volley. Brilliant control.

And after saving two set points, Vukic forces the tiebreak! He lands the big serve out wide.

Draper can’t return. So solid mentally from Vukic.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 6-5 Aleksandar Vukic*

12:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper is offered a look here as Vukic misses on the opening point. There’s pressure as Draper forces the forehand down the line and Vukic misses again.

0-30. Vukic, to be fair, keeps his cool to go for the drop shot. Draper can’t reach it. Safe forehands from Draper... and he nets on the backhand! Poor miss given that point. 30-30.

Vukic goes the winner... it’s wide! SET POINT to Draper! Yikes, Vukic goes for the big winner, but makes it! Deuce.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 6-5 Aleksandar Vukic*

12:33 , Jamie Braidwood

This time Draper makes sure he gets through to the tiebreak. A much better service game. Sealed with an ace. Back to Vukic.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 5-5 Aleksandar Vukic

12:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Vukic recovers from a tight backhand into the net to find the first serve. Draper nets on the stretch, and the Australian holds. 5-5.

This is where we were in the last set and both players had break points. Vukic took his.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 5-4 Aleksandar Vukic*

12:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper gets his easiest hold of serve for a while and forces Vukic to stay in the set.

Draper was on the brink against Kokkinakis in the last round, with the Australian serving for the match, so he won’t be in a complete panic just yet.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 4-4 Aleksandar Vukic

12:27

This has been ice-cold from Vukic. He gets a big break on the net-cord but then finds the forehand winner and ace to hold.

Draper, I think, needs Vukic to totally bottle this as the Australian closes in on his best ever win.

This is the first time he’s been in the third round of a grand slam, having previously never making it past the opening round.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 4-3 Aleksandar Vukic*

12:21

A double fault from Draper offers an opening to Vukic and he attacks relentlessly to move to 15-30.

Vukic makes the miss, and Draper roars. The Australian hasn’t missed much but can’t force break point.

He will get a chance though! Draper rushes the net but leaves the pass from Vukic, only to see it drop long!

Huge error from Draper, but he saves the break point with the big serve down the middle.

And that’s a let-off, or great escape, from Draper to hold. He finds the wide serve and winner into open court .

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 3-3 Aleksandar Vukic

12:18

What is going on. Draper frames the return from Vukic and sends it high into the sky.

When it drops down, Draper makes a show of making the catch but fumbles it.

Meanwhile, Vukic closes out the hold after jumping into the 40-0 lead.

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(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 3-2 Aleksandar Vukic*

12:12

A testing return from Vukic brings up 0-30. A woeful forehand from Draper hands him three break points.

This could decide the match.

But there is a HUGE response from Draper. He saves with the forehand winner then the ace.

Vukic nets as Draper brought him in, a let-off for Draper on deuce.

And he makes no mistake with another ace.

Big escape from Draper from 0-40 down.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 2-2 Aleksandar Vukic

12:07 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper gets very lucky as he mistimes a forehand but it catches the very back of the baseline. Vukic can’t return.

And the Australian then makes a double fault to bring up bring point on 15-40!

Wonderful from Vukic, who does not hold back and attacks Draper in every shot.

30-40. Draper can’t take advantage of the second serve and nets on the backhand stretch!

Deuce. And a third chance comes and goes as Draper floats long.

Vukic shuts the door. Three break points come and go. The Australian has now saved eight out off 11 break points faced.

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(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 2-1 Aleksandar Vukic*

12:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper has to laugh as Vukic reaches low to flick a forehand winner around the net and into the corner.

The British No 1 needs to dig deep to finally put Vukic away on the smash. Good hold from Draper, as he finds another line on the forehand.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 1-1 Aleksandar Vukic

11:59

Vukic escapes from 15-30 with back-to-back aces, moving level with Draper for 18 in the match.

On deuce, Vukic stays alive behind his second set and Draper than fires wide on the backhand to concede the game.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 1-0 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:54

The fourth set is underway. Vukic attacks well and Draper has to serve on 30-30.

He delays, drawing some groans from the crowd, but finds the first serve.

Vukic fires out, and then Draper pushes his opponent into another miss to hold.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 Aleksandar Vukic

11:50 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper, understandably, heads off court after that meltdown at the end of the third set.

The crowd had not been hostile at all until Draper smashed his racket and delayed Vukic on set point.

But they have found their voice as Draper requires a big comeback again.

Australian Open: SET! Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-7 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Wow. Vukic holds with an ace and now leads 2-1. Draper is booed and applauds the home fans. Vukic holds his hand to his hear.

This has suddenly exploded.

And Draper now requires another marathon effort.

For the third match in a row, Draper will have to come from two sets to one down.

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(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-6 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:45

What is Draper doing? He has destroyed his racket into pieces and has lost his shock-absorber, therefore delaying Vukic on set point.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-6 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:43

Draper strikes first with a smart drop-shot, then Vukic blinks on the backhand into the net!

0-30. Draper is pushed into the backhand miss and can’t find the pass.

Still a chance, and now two break points! Vukic misses on the angled approach, which Draper fired back for a sensational winner.

It doesn’t matter. Vukic saves both. Draper was loose on the first and Vukic was aggressive on the second.

Deuce. And now Vukic finds his serve. ACE! Draper explodes and smashes his racket!

SET POINT.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-6 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:41

I did not see that coming. Draper was firing down the serves until facing 30-30, where he missed four in a row.

Vukic will serve for a 2-1 lead.

Australian Open: BREAK! Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-5 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:38

We’ve yet to see a break point in this set, so a tiebreak looks likely.

But Vukic is pushing hard. He returns the Draper forehand with intent and forces him into the backhand miss.

30-30 again. Pressure points.

Double fault from Draper! Now we do have a break point.

AND AGAIN. Disaster from Draper! Two double faults in a row hands Vukic the break!

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 5-5 Aleksandar Vukic

11:35

Disappointing backhand into the net from Draper after getting a rare look at Vukic’s targetable second second.

But is this a wobble from Vukic? A strange drop shot is followed by a wayward lob. 30-30.

ACE from Vukic. AND AGAIN. Wobble? Nope.

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(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 4-5 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Big pressure on Draper as Vukic lands the forehand winner down the line to get to 15-30.

But the British No 1 delivers three aces in a row. Sensational.

Back to Vukic despite hitting one of the shots of the match.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 4-4 Aleksandar Vukic

11:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Vukic is starting to grunt his way around the back of the court but pings a beauty of a backhand winner down the line.

The Australian goes on the attack and Draper has nowhere to go but attempt the lob, which drops long.

And Vukic levels again with an ace out wide. 4-4.

This may just come down to who can keep their serving percentage now we enter the business end of the set.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 4-3 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:25 , Jamie Braidwood

This is much better! Draper wins the point of the match so far, reaching down to Vukic’s push down the line to put the volley into open court.

Draper’s serve is a weapon again and he lands the ace down the middle to move ahead.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 3-3 Aleksandar Vukic

11:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Big miss from Vukic, standing over the backhand from mid-court he crashes the strike into the net. 15-30.

But Draper can’t do anything against the first serve, as Vukic slams an ace down the middle to get to 40-30.

Huge from Vukic, crushing the backhand down the line to win a 17-shot rally. Draper was a bit hesitant from the baseline.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 3-2 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper faces 15-30 but barks as he finds the first serve and Vukic blasts wide.

Ace from Draper, who then gets his wide serve in play to put away the drop shot.

After the non-event of the end of the second set, this is an intriguing match again.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 2-2 Aleksandar Vukic

11:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Vukic looks pretty serve when he gets his first in and is able to dictate the rallies with tricky top-spin.

A comfortable hold.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 2-1 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:11 , Jamie Braidwood

Really comfortable service game from Vukic, who is going about his business quietly but is making life difficult for Draper when he lands his first serve.

Draper replies with his best serving of the match, thumping an ace to hold in just 48 seconds. Signs that Draper is starting to turn it on again after going missing in the second.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 1-0 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Who will turn up in set three? Will it be set one Jack Draper or set two Jack Draper?

The British No 1 gets off to a good start with a passing forehand winner but Vukic continues to ask questions and lands a deep strike onto the baseline.

But Draper pushes into the net to put away the volley and thumps away the ace to hold.

Unlike the first two sets, Draper manages to hold serve to start.

Australian Open: SET! Jack Draper 6-4 2-6 Aleksandar Vukic

11:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Vukic closes it out with an ace and roars! A very strange match so far, with two sets played in just 63 minutes. After playing so well in the first set, Draper loses his advantage almost immediately.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 6-4 2-5 Aleksandar Vukic*

11:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper almost apologetically holds serve and Vukic will try to close it out for a second time as we tick over the hour-mark.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 1-5 Aleksandar Vukic

10:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Very odd set here.

From 5-0 up, Vukic double faults to hand Draper a chance to break back. Draper steps up his forehand and Vukic can’t return.

Another break and Draper has a lifeline.

Australian Open: BREAK! Jack Draper 6-4 0-5 Aleksandar Vukic*

10:53

What a turnaround in the second set. Vukic’s level has improved but Draper almost gave up on that game to be broken again. His mind appears to be in the third set already.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic through to fourth round

10:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Novak Djokovic after beating Tomas Machac.

“I’m very hot-headed right now. I think I played really well honestly. I’ happy with my game. I was surprised with the result, to beat him in straight-sets. He was a break up in the second set and I struggled physically there. I was able to turn it around. Overall, in the third I felt fresh and moved really well. This is definitely the best match I’ve played in the tournament.

“I was trying to catch my breath. I’m not 19 anymore, 19 times two, almost.”

Djokovic grew increasingly frustrated with the crowd on Rod Laver Arena in that third set.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 0-4 Aleksandar Vukic

10:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper is able to hang on in Vukic’s service game just long enough for the Australian to cool down a touch.

He makes unforced errors on both sides to hand Draper a look at break point, but the Australian digs in to save and hold.

He continues his run. Four games in a row now.

Australian Open: BREAK! Jack Draper 6-4 0-3 Aleksandar Vukic*

10:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Vukic gets the double break! He almost takes Draper off his feet with his forehand strike down the line.

Vukic is back firing. Draper has perhaps just lost his focus.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 6-4 0-2 Aleksandar Vukic

10:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Vukic backs up the early break but Draper had a chance when standing over the net. He couldn’t put away the forehand on deuce, as Vukic gets over the line. It’s deja vu from the first seta as Vukic leads 2-0.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 6-4 Tomas Machac

10:38 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic passes his biggest test of the Australian Open so far to beat Tomas Machac in straight-sets.

Despite appearing to struggle physically at the start of the first set and taking two medical timeouts, Djokovic advances 6-1 6-4 6-4.

Machac was a dangerous third-round opponent but made too many errors and could not repeat his victory over Djokovic from last season.

He sets up a meeting with another Czech youngster, in 24th seed Jiri Lehecka.

Australian Open: BREAK! Jack Draper 6-4 0-1 Aleksandar Vukic*

10:35

Vukic broke Draper’s opening service game in the first set... and he does it again at the start of the second!

Vukic set up break point with a wonderful drop shot. Draper found the first serve but couldn’t put away the forehand.

Instead, Vukic produces the pass on the run, taking the break. The crowd is not as wild as it was the other night but they are desperate to get into this.

Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 5-3 Tomas Machac

10:30 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s been a funny old night for Djokovic - who bounced his racket off the court a few moments ago - but the 37-year-old is now a game away from a straight-sets win and a place in the fourth round.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: SET! *Jack Draper 6-4 Aleksandar Vukic

10:28

Class from Draper! On the run, he powers the forehand winner down the line to move to 15-30.

Draper stays in control behind that huge forehand and Vukic floats one long on the stretch.

Two set points! Vukic saves the first with an ace.

Draper gets behind the next serve, and takes the set with a lovely drop shot!

Wonderful opening set from Draper, after losing the first two games of the match.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-4 Aleksandar Vukic*

10:23

Draper looked to be in control as he finds another ace, but Vukic scampers to reach a volley and produce the pass - giving the crowd some life.

15-30. Great depth from Draper behind the forehand. 30-30.

Great serving from Draper. From 15-30, he holds to move ahead in the first set. Three games in a row for the British No 1.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 4-4 Aleksandar Vukic

10:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper whips the forehand winner down the line on the opening point, and the pressure get to Vukic as he nets mid-rally.

Chance for Draper, who forces Vukic to move around the baseline, and the Australian fires long.

Three break points for Draper. And there is the break! Vukic is 0/5 when he doesn’t land his first serve and a double fault gets Draper back on level terms.

Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 3-2 Tomas Machac

10:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Machac continues to infuriate with his errors but holds a deuce-game to stay within sight of Djokovic.

The 37-year-old remains a break up in the third.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Jack Draper 3-4 Aleksandar Vukic*

10:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper produces a contender for shot of the match already and reaches a Vukic serve out wide to thread the needle between the net post and umpire’s chair.

Class - and Draper holds to love with some good coverage of the net. He looks settled in this now, despite a slower start.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 2-4 Aleksandar Vukic

10:14

Vukic made nine first serves in a row before eventually missing the service box.

A couple of points later, he makes a double fault and Draper gets a look at 30-30.

Draper defends, but misses on the forehand after doing the hard work.

Vukic moves in to put away the serve-volley and holds. He passed that test pretty well.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 2-3 Aleksandar Vukic*

10:08 , Jamie Braidwood

Eight points in a row on serve from Vukic, who holds to love for the second time. Draper has not had a look yet.

The British No 1 rattles out his own love-hold, though, thumping an ace.

Australian Open: Jack Draper 1-2 Aleksandar Vukic*

10:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Draper follows in his first serve and puts away the forehand winner to get on the board.

The British No 1 won’t be panicked by this start as he looks to get himself into the match.

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 0-2 Aleksandar Vukic

10:03 , Jamie Braidwood

A perfect start from Vukic, who has also won two five-setters to reach the third round.

The 28-year-old is a cooler character than Kokkinakis, but this is an impressive, composed opening.

Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 1-0 Tomas Machac

10:02 , Jamie Braidwood

A gift of a break from Tomas Machac as he makes two double faults in the opening game of the third set.

Djokovic gets the breakthrough and will look to close this out quickly now.

Australian Open: BREAK Jack Draper 0-1 Aleksandar Vukic*

10:01

Vukic starts well, with a forehand attack and a soft touch at the net. On 30-30, Draper considers coming in but stays back, and then goes long on the forehand.

Break point Vukic - and he makes the perfect start. The Australian crushes the return and breaks!

Australian Open: *Jack Draper 0-0 Aleksandar Vukic

09:57

Draper will serve first as we get underway on the Margaret Court Arena.

Meanwhile the third set between Djokovic and Machac is underway after a seven-minute break following the second. Djokovic is back out there.

Australian Open: Jack Draper vs Aleksandar Vukic

09:54

Draper came into the Australian Open with concerns over his physical condition after missing much of his pre-season with a hip injury, but the 15th seed has now survived two five-set matches in a row to reach the third round.

There was a notable improvement in Draper’s performance levels from his opening win over Mariano Navone and, although he believes there is more to come, he is taking pride in how his body is holding up as he looks to build on last season’s run to the US Open semi-finals.

“It’s been really difficult in the last few years with question marks over long matches and backing up performances,” Draper said. “I wouldn’t say I’m playing my best tennis. Obviously, I’ve had a tough preparation, but I’m proud of my mentality, my body and the way I competed.

“It’s a huge step forward.”

Australian Open: SET! Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 Tomas Machac*

09:52 , Jamie Braidwood

Machac put real pressure on Djokovic as he painted the line with a backhand winner to look at break point....

But Djokovic stands firm! He saves as Machac floats one long, with Djokovic closing out the set behind serve, thundering an ace.

He moves into a two-set lead, giving Machac a long way back. Djokovic heads off the court for more treatment.

Given his condition, this surely isn’t over yet. Machac needs to cut out the errors.

Australian Open: Jack Draper vs Aleksandar Vukic

09:50

This will be the first career meeting between Draper and Vukic. Both players are playing in the Australian Open third round for the first time.

Draper, the 15th seed, reached the US Open semi-finals last season while this is already Vukuc’s best result at the grand slams.

Draper receives some cheers as he takes to the Margaret Court Arena. The crowd is not as hostile as it was when he beat Kokkinakis, but let’s see how that changes.

The 23-year-old also facing a test of endurance today after surviving two five-setters to reach the third round. Draper’s win over Kokkinakis was the longest of his career at four and a half hours.

Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 5-4 Tomas Machac

09:46 , Jamie Braidwood

A love-hold from Machac, in a very rare service game without facing difficulty, and Djokovic will now serve for the second set.

Machac needs to throw everything at this. Djokovic has just played a very loose couple of points and is down 0-30...

Jack Draper vs the Australian Open crowd - Round II

09:43 , Jamie Braidwood

Jack Draper warned the Australian fans that booing only makes him play better after his win over Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Draper held his finger to his ear at several points during the 6-7 (3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 victory, with chair umpire Marijana Veljovic struggling to contain the home fans and control the atmosphere.

Draper is likely to face a similar scenario when he plays Australian Aleksandar Vukic in the third round but the 23-year-old said that the hostile crowd gave him energy.

Jack Draper revels in 'abuse' from Australian Open fans during Thanasi Kokkinakis win

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 6-1 5-3 Tomas Machac*

09:41

Djokovic is digging deep. He outlasts Machac in a 25-shot rally, as the Czech finds the net on the backhand, to move to the brink of consolidating the break. Another error from Machac and Djokovic holds.

Machac is not able to find the consistency from the baseline. Djokovic, despite appearing to be tired between points, is remaining solid.

Australian Open: Coco Gauff defeats Leylah Fernandez

09:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Impressive win from Coco Gauff! She dismisses the challenge of Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-2, racing away with the second set.

Up next on Margaret Court Arena, Jack Draper faces the home crowd and Aleksandar Vukic.

Up next for Coco Gauff is a meeting with Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, who progressed when Naomi Osaka retired earlier.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 3-2 Tomas Machac

09:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic raises his arms and asks for more after crushing a backhand winner behind Machac, winning a 30-shot rally.

But the 37-year-old again doubles over in between the point, hanging his head over his feet and catching his breath.

Break point. Machac can’t keep his forehand in play and is simply not doing enough to add to Djokovic’s concerns.

Djokovic struggling but a break up.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 6-1 2-2 Tomas Machac*

09:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic steels himself and holds to level the second set.

Machac will surely take some encouragement from Djokovic’s physical struggles.

Can he extend this for as long as possible? That's got to be the goal.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 6-1 1-2 Tomas Machac

09:21

MEDICAL TIMEOUT!

The drama continues. Djokovic, though, is back out on court and is playing on.

Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 1-2 Tomas Machac

09:19 , Jamie Braidwood

How badly is Novak Djokovic struggling here? He’s been doubling over during points and calls for the trainer early in this second set.

He’s in deep conversation with the trainer.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-1 1-2 Tomas Machac

09:15

The problem for Machac is he just cannot get off to a good start on serve. Once again, Djokovic gets to 0-30 in the Machac service game.

Djokovic presses into the net and controls the volley onto the line. Machac throws everything he has at Djokovic but the 37-year-old defends superbly and the Czech nets.

Andy Murray pumps his first.

Australian Open: BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-1 0-2 Tomas Machac*

09:11

Now this is encouraging for Machac. Djokovic slumps a drop shot into the net and once again doubles over after handing the Czech a look at two break points.

And Machac takes it! A sliding volley from Machac forces the error from Djokovic, who puts the pick-up wide!

We’ve got a match now, that’s for sure.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: SET! Coco Gauff 6-4 Leylah Fernandez

09:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Coco Gauff strikes first against Leylah Fernandez in the meeting of young stars on Margaret Court Arena.

It was pretty tight through that opener, but a loose game from former US Open finalist Fernandez gives away the break.

Gauff takes control.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 0-1 Tomas Machac

09:00 , Jamie Braidwood

This is too good from Djokovic. Machac faces 30-30 on his opening game, in a must-hold serve, but Djokovic wins a 35-shot rally by stepping in behind the backhand winner.

But Machac replies! He catches the line on the backhand to push Djokovic into the full stretch.

It’s a long deuce, with Djokovic sometimes doubling over between points. Machac steadies to earn a very important hold early in the second.

Australian Open: SET! Novak Djokovic 6-1 Tomas Machac*

08:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic gestures to his coaching box after having to face break point on serve but he quickly dismisses the opportunity from Machac to take the first set.

He’s come out and found a very strong level.

Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 5-1 Tomas Machac

08:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Break! For the third game in a row, Machac loses the first couple of points on serve and Djokovic quickly gets a look at another three break points.

Machac is pushed into the forehand miss out wide and Djokovic takes the double break.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open Novak Djokovic 4-1 Tomas Machac*

08:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Incredible game between Djokovic and Machac, but it’s the 10-time champion who emerges with the hold to consolidate the break.

Machac had the crowd on their feet by winning a lengthy opening point with great defensive coverage behind the baseline.

Djokovic, though, responded with a high level, finishing the game off at the net. The 37-year-old has really had to raise it here.

Australian Open *Novak Djokovic 3-1 Tomas Machac

08:37 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s been a difficult day for serving in Melbourne, with a breeze swirling around the Rod Laver Arena.

For the second game in a row, Machac faces 0-30 on serve and will again face break points as Djokovic stepped in on the forehand after a net-cord from the Czech.

Djokovic catches the line on the return but Machac saves with excellent hands at the net.

But Djokovic takes the break on the fifth opportunity, as Machac nets on the backhand.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 2-1 Tomas Machac*

08:33 , Jamie Braidwood

Machac comes into the net and pops over the volley into open court to get to 30-30 on the Djokovic serve.

But he can’t do enough to force the break point. Djokovic instead holds with the backhand winner down the line.

Machac, though, has shown enough in three games to suggest that this will be as competitive as many thought.

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