Jack Draper faced a tense and dramatic match at the Australian Open, where he clashed with the crowd during his match against an Australian opponent at Melbourne Park. As tensions rose, Draper found himself on the edge of losing the third set against Aleksandar Vukic. Frustrated, the 15th seed smashed his racket, causing a delay in the game as he fetched a new one amidst boos from the spectators. Unfazed by the crowd’s reaction, commentators remarked that Draper seemed to have “lost the plot” in response to the jeers.
The match continued with a closely contested third set, where Vukic managed to break Draper’s serve, taking the lead at 6-5. Despite having opportunities to break back and force a tiebreak, Draper failed to capitalise on them. With Vukic securing a set point, the pressure mounted on the British No. 1, leading him to angrily slam his racket on the ground, resulting in a code violation for racket abuse and more disapproval from the crowd. Draper’s emotional outburst further agitated the spectators, who had already been critical of his behaviour throughout the match.
As Vukic sealed the set and took the lead at 4-6 6-2 7-5, Draper returned to his bench amidst boos from the audience. In a sarcastic gesture, he applauded the crowd and gave them a thumbs-up, indicating his awareness of their disapproval. Commentators expressed concerns about Draper’s mindset, noting that he seemed to be inviting trouble with his reactions to the crowd’s reactions. The intense atmosphere, combined with Draper’s emotional display, added to the pressure of the match, with commentators highlighting the need for Draper to regain his composure quickly.
This was not the first instance of Draper engaging in heated exchanges with the Australian crowd during the Australian Open. In a previous match against Thanasi Kokkinakis, he had also faced criticism and provoked the spectators, showcasing a pattern of contentious interactions. Draper’s post-match comments reflected his acknowledgment of the challenging atmosphere and his willingness to engage in banter with the crowd. Despite his success as a two-time title winner, Draper’s behaviour on the court has raised concerns about his ability to handle pressure and maintain focus during competitive matches.
As the Australian Open unfolded, Draper’s on-court outbursts and interactions with the crowd overshadowed his performance, drawing attention to the mental aspect of his game. While Draper’s talent and potential are undeniable, his volatile behaviour and emotional reactions have become a focal point of discussion. As the tournament progresses, Draper will need to address his emotional responses and channel his focus on his game to overcome the challenges posed by both his opponents and the spectators.