Jack Draper, the British No1, fought his way into the third round of the Australian Open, facing down a boorish home crowd and taking inspiration from Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.

Draper was repeatedly booed and jeered by boozy Australian fans as he twice came from a set down to defeat home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis in a raucous John Cain Arena.

Draper took great pride from his victory, a 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 barnstormer that lasted four hours and 35 minutes, making it the longest match of his career. After sealing his win with a forehand winner, he applauded the hostile crowd and then performed a slow 360-degree turn on the spot, eyeballing the fans and giving them a thumbs-up gesture.

“I enjoy it, to be honest,” Draper said of all the hooting and jeering, which often happened after he had missed a first serve. “At the end of the day it’s a bit of fun. I was watching a few of the Premier League [examples] with the FA Cup. Everyone getting on [Ange] Postecoglou’s back the other night [against Tamworth], and he just stood there taking it. It’s good sport. It’s entertainment [and] it gave me a lot of energy. I appreciate that.”

Tottenham manager Postecoglou said he was targeted by “vile” chanting during his side’s 3-0 win over Tamworth last week and Draper was not the only Briton who found himself against rowdy crowds in Melbourne on Wednesday night. At around the same time, his old junior rival Jacob Fearnley found himself scheduled on Court Six – otherwise known as “The Party Court” – where the eastern side of the playing arena is not a stand at all but a bar.

Playing Montpellier’s Arthur Cazaux, Fearnley had to put up with the heckling of a strong French contingent, which was so loud that the singles players on the next-door court asked to be moved further away.

The fact that the two Britons came through this test of technique and temperament sent a strong message, and suggested that both men have a wonderful future ahead of them.

As Draper said after his courageous win over Kokkinakis: “I’m proud of Jacob [and] I think that’s going to be a really good, healthy relationship for myself. He’s going to be right at the top of the game [and] we are going to be competing against each other with that No1 Brit situation.”

In fact, Fearnley is probably more used to dealing with lively crowds than Draper. While Draper turned pro at 16, Fearnley decided that he wasn’t “ready physically [or] emotionally” for the tour, so he went off to compete on the famously partisan college tennis circuit in the United States.

“I actually didn’t really look at the court before I went on,” Fearnley explained after his 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 comeback win. “So when I saw the bar, I was thinking, ‘It’s going to be a pretty rowdy atmosphere.’ As I settled into the match, I blocked it out as much as I could. Obviously there were some supporters who were extremely drunk, but it was a great atmosphere.

“Those French fans were great at their job,” Fearnley added. “I mean, they were very good supporters. They had their chants down to a T. There was one guy … at first I couldn’t tell if he was trying to psych me out, but then I realised he was on my side. Yeah, he was wearing the Scotland shirt, I think. He actually got escorted out at the end.”

Both men have been dealing with adversity since the start of this tournament. In the first round, Fearnley had defeated Nick Kyrgios – the rowdiest Australian of all – on that same John Cain Arena where Draper faced Kokkinakis. Aussie players often ask to be scheduled there because the unallocated seating always makes for a lively vibe.

As for Draper, he had been forced to pull off a similar comeback in the first round against Mariano Navone, where he also came back from a set down on two occasions. The fact that he has been able to survive back-to-back five-setters, both lasting over four hours, is testament to how much he has improved physically over the past year.

“I take a lot of pride in it,” Draper said. “Yeah, it felt nice to give everyone a little thumbs up at the end when I came through. It’s a huge step forward.

“It’s been really difficult the last few years with question marks over long matches and backing up performances. [Today] my body felt good. I didn’t cramp. I think the step was mentally to be be relaxed and be calm and know that I’ve put in all the hard work. I think, especially at the slams, most of it is mental.”

Draper’s win set up yet another Ashes duel between Brits and Aussies, as he will play home hope Aleksander Vukic in Friday’s third round. Meanwhile, Fearnley is to take on second seed Alexander Zverev in a match that is likely to be scheduled for another big court.

Spare a thought, though, for Kokkinakis, who was absolutely bereft after suffering his latest heart-breaking loss. A popular figure on the tour, Kokkinakis has been blighted by injury since he reached the final of the US Open junior event in 2013. He was struggling with a torn pectoral muscle throughout Wednesday’s match against Draper, and admitted afterwards that he will not be able to play again for some considerable time.

Asked about the crowd, Kokkinakis didn’t seem too perturbed by their provocative behaviour. “I played Great Britain in Manchester in Davis Cup,” he said. “It was the same thing over there. Yeah, I think they were to be expected. I think they were great.”

01:21 PM GMT

Draper on crowd jeers

“This is what I play for since I was a young guy, I wanted to play in front of big crowds and whether you guys are with me or against me it was a tough atmosphere to deal with. You guys were obviously all with Thanasi but I had a little fun as well. It was so good to be out here and really happy with the amount of support we get here at these big tournaments, it’s unbelievable.”

01:19 PM GMT

Draper on Kokkinakis’ injuries

“It’s difficult, credit to him I think he was hurting quite a lot and obviously he pulled out last week and had a really long match in his first match. He came out here and he gave it his all until the end, he obviously was hurting but credit to him, it was a great fight today.”

01:02 PM GMT

Draper reacts to victory

John McEnroe calls it one of the “great matches” he has seen in quite a while.

12:57 PM GMT

JACK DRAPER WINS 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3!

Draper closing in on victory now. 30-0 becomes 40-0 and three match points. He finds a winner and finally breaks the tough resistance of Thanasi Kokkinakis!

He is through to the third round for the first time.

12:53 PM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 5-3 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Kokkinakis’ serve comes under pressure as Draper moves to the net to take a 30-15 lead in a crucial game. That becomes two break points with Kokkinakis’ 66th unforced error of this dramatic tie. Draper’s return goes wide... back to a singular break point. Kokkinakis’ finally cracks with a volley into the net! Draper on the verge? Let’s wait.

Draper will be serving for the match. 

12:47 PM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 4-3 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Kokkinakis goes 15-0 up on Draper’s serve and the crowd erupt. That is doubled when he finds a forehand winner to go 30-0 up... Draper needing to find something here. A first-serve fault is cheered and the umpire in the chair reminds the crowd not to make noise between serves for the 57th time this evening. Draper gets a point back. And then another before taking a 40-30 lead.

We have not had a game at deuce for a while but Kokkinakis finds a cross-court winner of his own to do just that. Two points in a row means Draper holds serve as the game edges towards a conclusion.

12:41 PM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 3-3 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Draper has consistently won points early on in Kokkinakis’ service games in the last set or two. He finds an astonishing winner here to make it 15 all. Draper looking keen here as he gets it to 30-30. Fit, too. A rare foot fault from Kokkinakis does not allow Draper to pressure the second serve with another down-the-line winner from the Australian. He grimaces profoundly afterwards but the pain does not affect him as he secures the game. He is not going away.

12:34 PM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 3-2 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Draper holds, again. The tension continues as Kokkinakis digs in despite his injuries.

12:32 PM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 2-2 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Draper once more in a game on his opponent’s serve. 40-30 to the Australian, who has been digging out some big serves. He holds his serve with a cross-court forehand. Also big. All level in the fifth set, and on serve.

12:25 PM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 2-1 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Draper wins comfortably on his own serve as Kokkinakis ends it looking downbeat.

12:21 PM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 1-1 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Kokkinakis is not moving so well and in some cases not chasing the ball down. I suppose at this point you need to pick your battles. This game is a battle for the Aussie as Draper moves to 30-15 ahead, sniffing another break point. A backhand then forehand winner from Kokkinakis helps him in to a 40-30 lead before Draper sends a down-the-line forehand wide. He breaks the run of five games in a row from Draper.

Kokkinakis’ shoulder struggles continue, though. He looks in some discomfort.

12:17 PM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 1-0 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Five games in a row for Draper now. 1-0 up in the final set with a comfortable hold of serve. A little while ago I asked what Draper had left. That question is now being asked of his opponent.

12:14 PM GMT

Kokkinakis vs security guard

12:11 PM GMT

Draper was so close to elimination there

No match points for Kokkinakis in the set, but he was serving for the game but did not win a point in it. It was 5-3 to the Australian but he lost four games in a row. A collapse? Yes. Certainly.

12:07 PM GMT

Draper wins the fourth set 7-5 and we are into a final set!

Draper gets to 0-30 on Kokkinakis’ serve in short order. The Briton is the man on top at the moment, but every point is cheered raucously by the Australian crowd. As you would expect and as Draper has become accustomed to. But then Draper secures a couple of break (and set) points at 15-40...

Kokkinakis averts the danger once. But not the second time.

Draper wins the fourth set 7-5 and the match is level!

12:04 PM GMT

Draper responding to the crowd

12:02 PM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-5 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Draper volleys wide at 15 all and Kokkinakis is in the Briton’s service game. The crowd, or small sections of it, really starting to get on at Draper after any first-serve error or fault. A superb backhand winner down the line, though, gives Kokkinakis a break point!

Can Draper stave it off? It’s another fault on first serve that is jeered by some of the crowd. The crowd think Kokkinakis has found a cross-court winner but no, it is wide by a few inches. Draper then gets the advantage which he converts to take the lead in the fourth set.

Now a break for Draper would level the game at two sets all. What a tense match this has been and continues to be.

11:55 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 5-5 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Draper wins two points to get to 0-30 on Kokkinakis’ serve, a game he needs to win to stay in the match. And someone’s phone goes off. There have been numerous interventions from the umpires towards the crowd. That becomes 0-40 to Draper who now has three break points! Can he convert to stay in the game. Yes! He only needs one. He puts his hand over his ear as if to silence the crowd.

11:50 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 4-5 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

30 all on Draper’s serve and he is in a battle to stay in this. A two-handed backhand winner down the line got Kokkinakis to this point, he has played many a handsome shot like that this evening. Draper gets to 40-30 and has to ask the questions of his opponent. But no, another winner gets us to deuce... Advantage Draper and then the Briton finishes off a superb rally with a well-placed drop-shot.

Draper holds and Kokkinakis will serve for the match.

11:44 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 3-5 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Kokkinakis finds another one of this big forehand winners, this time cross-court. He has 50 winners so far in the match. Kokkinakis’ serve is not quite as strong as it was earlier in the game, but more errors from Draper’s side. There may be a chance for Draper as he gets to 30-15 ahead against serve.

That, though, soon becomes 40-30 to Kokkinakis and Draper’s reaction at his opponent’s overhead smash nearly creeping out says it all. Frustration, disbelief. Something like that. A shot into the net makes it deuce... two points in a row for the home favourite and Kokkinakis holds and is within one game of the victory.

11:37 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 3-4 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

A sense of inevitability about things is creeping up. Draper did not have the best preparation for this tournament and perhaps that is telling.

That said, he holds fairly comfortably. Needs to find something big soon, though, or the match is gone and his tournament over.

11:33 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 2-4 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

What has Draper left to give in this match? Kokkinakis on top here. It has been a very close contest with just a few moments deciding it. A crucial service game coming up for Draper as he now trails 4-2, Kokkinakis holding comfortably.

11:30 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 2-3 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

A strange call of let from the chair umpire just as it looked like Draper had hit the winner, though not sure if Kokkinakis heard the call. But that is then overturned and Draper gets the point after Kokkinakis stepped in. Not sure why a let was called. Draper goes long and it’s 30-30 but two points in a row and the Briton holds.

11:24 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 1-3 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Kokkinakis holds comfortably. Will another service struggle be coming Draper’s way?

11:20 AM GMT

Crowd are up...

11:18 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 1-2 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Hmmm. Draper becomes embroiled on his own serve after being 40-15 up courtesy of a winner against him and then a long forehand. 40-15 becomes advantage Kokkinakis and the crowd are up on their feet. Draper is genuinely struggling here but manages to get it back to deuce by going to the net. Remember it was a long game where Kokkinakis held serve when the match turned around. A fortunate net cord helps Kokkinakis get into position to take advantage and another break point...

Draper battles hard in the point but stretching at the net he sends his lob long! Kokkinakis breaks!

11:11 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 1-1 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Without wishing to state the obvious this looks like a tough one for Draper to win. As we have been reminded by the commentary team on Eurosport, all of their matches have gone the distance. Admittedly that is only three and they were best of three, not five, sets but still. Kokkinakis holds to level the fourth set.

11:07 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 1-0 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Draper under a modicum of pressure at 40-30 ahead on his serve but an ace gets him on the board in the fourth set.

11:03 AM GMT

Draper suffering physically?

10:59 AM GMT

Kokkinakis takes the third set and leads 2-1

Always a blow when you have break points in such a long game and then end up losing it. But the important thing for Draper was to continue doing what he was doing. The problem was he then lost his service which enacted a massive swing. Still he can break back here.

The crowd are getting behind Kokkinakis in a big way and, after a break, he is giving them something to cheer about. He still looks in pain, though, as he goes 30-15 up. Draper narrowly sends a down-the-line shot wide which makes it set point to Kokkinakis. A booming ace converts it! Draper now needs to win the next two sets.

10:54 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-5 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

The pendulum swings in the other direction as Kokkinakis gets to 15-30 on Draper’s serve with an excellent winner. Make that 15-40 with two break points... he converts the first of those and breaks Draper and will be serving for the third set!

A warning for ball abuse for Draper...

10:52 AM GMT

A long night ahead?

10:50 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 3-4 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Another opening for Draper to break as a double fault leaves the game at 30 all. Kokkinakis is digging in here and, though his error-count is still high and his serve’s potency has dropped, he is still capable of a big winner. He finds one here to go 40-30 ahead, before putting a down-the-line backhand wide. That becomes break point to Draper, having taken two from four so far.

Kokkinakis really battling to keep his serve and sees out another break point before we do the common dance between deuce and various advantages one way and the other. Eight deuces and an ace later Kokkinakis holds serve! That was a loooong game.

10:33 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 3-3 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Kokkinakis does win a point on Draper’s serve for the first time this set but it is just one. The game’s general feel and dynamic has changed significantly, as it often does in Grand Slam tournaments, but it is still tight.

10:30 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 2-3 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Well, the medical break has worked wonders... so far. Kokkinakis has no struggles on his serve, holding to love.

10:28 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 2-2 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Draper races to a 40-love lead on his serve. Kokkinakis has not taken a point from Draper’s serve in the third set yet and a big ace from the Briton continues that trend and makes it 2-2.

10:21 AM GMT

Problems for Kokkinakis?

A medical time out. The physio is out, he has his top off and appears to be struggling with something on his right-hand side, possibly his pectoral muscle.

10:19 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 1-2 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Draper again wins a couple of points on Kokkinakis’ serve and then gets it to deuce. It is no longer so easy on his own serve for the Australian. Questions being asked all the time as his first serve percentage in has dropped to 67 per cent. Kokkinakis is on the right end of a captivating rally and gets the advantage. That is then converted to a nervy hold...

10:12 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 6-3, 1-1 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Draper looking sprightly, Kokkinakis slightly laboured. A hold to love for Draper levels the set.

10:10 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 6-3, 0-1 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Draper very much in another Kokkinakis service game, and that was a nearly impossible task in the first set. Two points in a row from the Australian from 30-30 put him a game ahead head in the third set.

10:03 AM GMT

Draper wins the second set 6-3

Draper seems to be moving better than his opponent now. A little sharper at present. Probably helps that he is serving for the set. A long return from the Aussie gives Draper two set points. And another unforced error from Kokkinakis (his 25th) gives the Briton the set. We are all square.

10:00 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 5-3 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Draper moves to 0-30 on Kokkinakis’ serve, though a big serve on a big point is not returned and the Australian claws him back, but that soon becomes two break points with a two-handed backhand winner from Draper. Kokkinakis sees off one of them, before hitting a volley into the net when up in close. Draper breaks back and will serve for the second set...

09:54 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 4-3 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Draper holds to love to regain the lead but we are still on serve, the earlier break of service being squandered by the Briton. Well, that’s perhaps a bit harsh, but he lost it either way.

09:52 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 3-3 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

An opening for Draper to break back straight away? A couple of forehand errors have given him some hope at 40-30 but Kokkinakis wins the game with a cross-court forehand shot to level the set...

09:46 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 3-2 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Just as Kokkinakis is more vulnerable on his serve, so is Draper. A break point comes via (another) Kokkinakis forehand winner and he converts that break point this time! That is more like it. We are back on serve...

09:41 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 3-1 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Kokkinakis’ serve looking a bit more vulnerable now as Draper gets to 30-30. He is only on 60 per cent on his first serve percentage (winning 57 per cent of them) in this set compared to more than 90 in the first. A cracking ace means Kokkinakis gets a game on the board in the second set.

09:35 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 3-0 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

A superb down-the-line forehand winner from Kokkinakis gets him to 40-30 behind but Draper sends a cross-court forehand wide and it’s deuce, which soon becomes break point to Kokkinakis with a cross-court backhand winner...

There is a bit of back and forth in the deuce/advantage/deuce style before an unforced error gets Draper to 3-0 with an important hold where he was put under pressure.

09:27 AM GMT

Draper 6-7, 2-0 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

A chink in the Kokkinakis serve? So it seems. After losing just five points on serve in the first set the Australian loses three in one game, giving Draper a couple of break points. Kokkinakis sees off one of them but a double fault means Draper breaks early in the second set!

09:23 AM GMT

Draper* 6-7, 1-0 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

A comfortable hold for Draper, which is exactly what he needs.

09:22 AM GMT

A big set for Draper coming up

Kokkinakis surely cannot continue serving at this level throughout the game?

09:17 AM GMT

Kokkinakis conceded just five points against his serve in that set (30/35)

Draper, by contrast, had 10 (28/38).

09:16 AM GMT

Kokkinakis takes first set 7-6 (7-3)

An error from Draper puts Kokkinakis on the brink of the first set... and a big forehand winner gives him the first set to a rapturous response from the Australian crowd! He takes the tie-break 7-3.

I don’t think Draper did a great deal wrong in that set but Kokkinakis’ superlative serving won him it.

09:13 AM GMT

First set tie-break: Kokkinakis leads 4-3

Draper moves up to 2-1 up in the tie-break moving close to the net to end the rally. There just does not seem to be any way through Kokkinakis’ serve, though. He has won 90 per cent of his first-serve points, with six aces and 90 per cent of his first serves in. That helps him move to 3-2 up, putting the pressure again on Draper. The pressure tells, as Kokkinakis gets a mini-break before Draper claims one back.

09:07 AM GMT

Draper* 6-6 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Booming cheers as Kokkinakis gets to 15 all. Kokkinakis has been more convincing on his serve, yes, but Draper has not been under enormous pressure. That continues here, as he gets to 40-15 ahead and a 19th unforced error by his opponent takes us to a tie-break...

09:04 AM GMT

Draper 5-6 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Kokkinakis’ ace count gets to five and he to 15-0 up. Then another big forehand winner for the Australian that replays show is in by a almost a literal hair’s breadth. Draper looks askance. That some becomes 40-0 as has often been the case with Kokkinakis dominating his service games. Draper nicks a point back but the hope does not last for long...

The Australian again a break away from first-set victory.

08:59 AM GMT

Draper* 5-5 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Huge cheers as Kokkinakis gets to 0-30 ahead on Draper’s serve... a great baseline defence in a long rally from Draper gets him back to 30-30 averting the threat of a break point. Draper struggling a little on his first serve, though, but that does not cost him as he moves to 40-30. Still under some pressure, but another unforced error from Kokkinakis gets him out of a small hole at a critical time.

08:53 AM GMT

Draper 4-5 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

We continue on serve and Draper not really able to land any significant blows on Kokkinakis yet. Might have to win this set on a tie-break. The Australian is just a break of serve away from the first set, though break points have not been forthcoming. Just one for him, which Draper defended.

15 points in a row on serve for Kokkinakis.

08:52 AM GMT

Draper* 4-4 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Something has to give at some point in this set. Draper puts in his first double fault of the match but then plays a wonderful winner before levelling the set at 4-4.

08:47 AM GMT

Draper 3-4 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Again Kokkinakis holds without Draper winning a point...

08:45 AM GMT

Draper* 3-3 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Draper levels comfortably this time to get the first set to 3-3. An impressive hold after being pushed in his previous service game.

08:40 AM GMT

Draper 2-3 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

As Simon mentioned earlier, Kokkinakis does not appear to be in a high level of comfort physically. But the game is comfortable as he wins without Draper claiming a point. We remain on serve.

08:38 AM GMT

Draper* 2-2 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

Draper’s turn to be put under pressure as Kokkinakis gets the first break point with a booming forehand down the line. A fault from the Briton ramps up the pressure on his second serve but he manages to sneak a winner in on the line to get to deuce, which he then converts to a hold of serve to level the first set. It was a sixth unforced error of the match for the Australian which did it.

08:32 AM GMT

Draper 1-2 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

Kokkinakis’ turn to race to 40-0 up before Draper gets one back. Not too many troubles for either player on serve yet though it is very early days. I spoke too soon. A few unforced errors on serve and elsewhere and Draper gets the game to deuce. An ace and then Draper going long means the pressure is relieved from the Australian.

08:27 AM GMT

Draper* 1-1 Kokkinakis (denotes server)

A couple of stray shots from Kokkinakis propels Draper to 30-0 up before an ace down the line gets him to game point. A superb forehand winner down the line means he levels without his opponent laying a glove on him.

08:24 AM GMT

Draper 0-1 Kokkinakis* (denotes server)

It is a lengthy opening rally, but Draper wins the first point before Kokkinakis hits back quickly to move to 40-15 ahead before a shot into the net from Draper seals the game for the Australian.

08:20 AM GMT

Here we go

Kokkinakis to serve... and we get going.

08:15 AM GMT

A request for Draper

He wants lots of white towels. And so does Kokkinakis. Jack Draper wants to receive the first service game. We are nearly ready to get going.

08:12 AM GMT

The players are out on court

A warm welcome for Kokkinakis and a few boos for Draper. Par for the course, I guess.

08:00 AM GMT

Thanasi Kokkinakis’ pedigree

The Australian has been ranked as high as No 65 at the back end of 2023 but is placed a little lower than that at the moment at No 77. Certainly no disgrace. His best major performances have all come at the French Open, reaching the third round three times – first as an 18-year-old in 2014 and then again in 2023 and last year. Other than that he has reached the second round of all the other Grand Slam tournaments.

His most impressive run in a big ATP tournament came in 2022 when he reached the fourth round in 2022 before losing to Alexander Zverev. He took four sets to overcome Roman Safiullin in the first-round in a lengthy match.

07:54 AM GMT

It is raining in Melbourne

But Draper will play on a show court with a roof so that will not be an issue. Likewise with Jodie Burrage’s match against Coco Gauff. 

07:45 AM GMT

Draper’s 2024 Grand Slam tournament record

Australian Open: Second round
French Open: First round
Wimbledon: Second round
US Open: Semi-finals

Nothing to necessarily write home about until that fantastic run at Flushing Meadows.

07:37 AM GMT

Jack Draper interview: ‘I drive a second-hand Polo – I’m not materialistic’

Simon Briggs spoke to the British men’s No 1 at the end of last year in a wide-ranging interview on a variety of topics.

You can read the in-depth piece with the down-to-earth Draper here.

07:27 AM GMT

Draper vs Kokkinakis head to head

2024

ATP 1000 Masters Madrid: Draper wins 6-3, 3-6, 705
Los Cabos: Kokkinakis wins 4-6, 7-6, 6-4

2023

Davis Cup singles: Draper wins 6-7, 6-3, 7-6

07:03 AM GMT

Draper expects hostile Australian crowd in match against home favourite

Jack Draper expects a hostile crowd to bring the best out of him at the Australian Open. The British No 1 will face home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, with the match scheduled in the night session on John Cain Arena.

Draper scraped through his first-round match against Argentina’s Mariano Navone in five sets, with the rust showing after disrupted preparations because of a hip injury that left him struggling to walk.

“That’s definitely going to bring the best out of me,” he said to the PA news agency ahead of the Kokkinakis clash.

“I think it’s going to be a really good atmosphere. Whether the crowd’s with me or against me, I remember what it was like playing Futures [tournaments] with no one watching. That’s what I play for, to play in front of a lot of people and entertain.”

Kokkinakis played one of the most memorable Australian Open matches of recent years against Andy Murray two years ago, with the Scot somehow clawing his way back from two sets down before winning a near six-hour contest at 4.05am.

Draper has also had close contests against the 28-year-old, although never previously in Australia, but he will not be seeking his countryman’s advice, with Murray concentrating on his new job coaching Novak Djokovic.

“I think Andy’s too focused on Novak but I did watch that match,” said Draper. “I know Thanasi is going to give it his all here in Melbourne. He always brings out great tennis so it’s going to be a really tough match.

“We always have a battle so I’m fully prepared and ready for that. I’m going to have to improve my performance and I think that’s a great chance to do it.”

Question marks also surround the physical condition of Kokkinakis, who withdrew from his home tournament in Adelaide last week and then picked up a leg problem in his first-round match here.

While Murray appears to be off limits, Draper could have a chat with his old friend Jacob Fearnley, who handled one of the most challenging assignments at Melbourne Park with aplomb on his debut by beating Nick Kyrgios.

Draper revealed that, in hot-headed moments at junior tournaments, his parents would ask him why he could not behave more like the calm Fearnley.

“That’s really cool,” said the Scot. “I wasn’t really aware that that was a thing. We had a really good relationship growing up.”

Draper turned professional as a teenager while Fearnley chose to go to college in the United States, but he has wasted no time making his mark since leaving Texas last spring and can break new ground when he takes on unseeded Frenchman Arthur Cazaux on Wednesday.

Draper and Fearnley were two of four British players to win on Monday, with Jodie Burrage and Harriet Dart also making it through.