Jack Draper Silences Melbourne Crowd and Faces Carlos Alcaraz
Australian Open
January 17, 2025
Jack Draper never seems to do anything the easy way – but it makes for dramatic action every time he plays.
His reward for yet another thrilling marathon is a blockbuster showdown with Carlos Alcaraz. Draper actually won the last time they played – on grass at Queen’s.
Jack Draper versus Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court at Wimbledon 2025 would be irresistible too. And why shouldn’t it happen?
Both players are in great form – and both are now used to that winning feeling. Jack’s euphoria is usually accompanied by exhaustion too, though.
This victory over the excellent Aleksandar Vukic was his third five-set win of the Australian Open – and the second over an Aussie. No one has worked harder to reach the second week.
Draper showed remarkable nerve and resilience in the fifth-set, ten-point breaker. He finally settled it 6-4, 2-6, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (10-8) – after around four nail-biting hours.
Another classic and another tribute to the young Brit’s stubborn refusal to lose. But he is also extremely likeable – an honest rising star, as his post-match interview proved.
Draper said: ‘Well firstly, Alex played incredible. It was an unbelievably tough match with so many ebbs and flows. I appreciate you guys staying out so late for us. It was a great match.’
Jack seemed to have the match all but won – and then let it slip again more than once. But then Vukic could have said the same.
Draper admitted: ‘I thought he was done – but he just came back from the dead. He was playing incredible. We were suffering a lot but you get bursts of energy. Two competitors just going at it.
‘My body doesn’t feel too great. Luckily I’ve got a good physio. I’ve loved the atmosphere.’
Initially, the Englishman was reluctant to talk about the Wimbledon champion. ‘I dunno – I’m just thinking about my recovery, I don’t want to think about that match yet,’ he admitted.
But then he added: Carlos is a special talent and an unbelievable player. He’s someone I have a great friendship with – so it’s going to be a great contest.’
Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz will have many great contests in the years to come. And Centre Court at Wimbledon 2025 would provide the perfect stage for their burgeoning rivalry.
For now let’s enjoy them both in Melbourne. It’s going to be a cracker. It will also whet the appetite for Wimbledon 2025.
Will you be at the greatest Grand Slam of them all – Wimbledon 2025? That’s where British royalty and Hollywood celebrities happily rub shoulders.
The place just oozes history and glamour. Come and join us! It only takes a phone call to set the ball rolling with our friendly staff.