• Jack Draper beat Aleksandar Vukic in a thrilling five-set match to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.
• This victory sets up a showdown with Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion.
• Draper displayed remarkable resilience, having faced three consecutive five-set matches in Melbourne.
• The match lasted 3 hours and 58 minutes, showcasing Draper’s enduring grit.
• Despite a hip injury disrupting his pre-season, Draper has proven his physical capability.

In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Jack Draper triumphed over Aleksandar Vukic in a grueling five-set contest at the Australian Open, setting up an exciting fourth-round match against the renowned Carlos Alcaraz. Draper, seeded 15th, won the match with a final score of 6-4, 2-6, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (10-8) which stretched nearly four hours (3 hours and 58 minutes to be precise) under the Melbourne lights, further solidifying his reputation as a fighter on the court [(BBC)](https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/crr002lj44zo).

Draper's pathway to this victory has not been easy. This match marked his third consecutive five-set marathon, having previously overcome both Thanasi Kokkinakis and Mariano Navone in equally dramatic fashion. Each match drew on his mental strength and physical endurance, totaling nearly 12 hours on court in just three days, a testament to his ever-improving stamina and skill [(The Guardian)](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jan/17/jack-draper-australian-open-alesandar-vukic-five-set-thriller-tennis).

Despite facing a roaring Australian crowd, Draper showcased his "monster mentality," initially taking control early but navigating through significant ups and downs against Vukic, who provided fierce competition. In the fifth set, Draper displayed greater composure and decisiveness, ultimately gaining the edge in a decisive tiebreak where he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Reflecting on his performance, Draper remarked, "I'm very, very proud of my efforts from the physical part of things... It's a huge stride forward." His previous injury struggles had raised questions about his preparedness, but this match has silenced many critics as he not only survived but thrived under immense pressure [(BBC)](https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/crr002lj44zo).

With this victory, Draper now looks ahead to the challenge of facing Carlos Alcaraz, the third seed and reigning champion at both the French Open and Wimbledon. Alcaraz has shown remarkable consistency, achieving a straight-set win against Nuno Borges earlier in the tournament. Draper's upcoming match against Alcaraz is highly anticipated and promises to be a thrilling encounter between two rising stars in men's tennis.

As he prepares to face Alcaraz, Draper's fans and fellow players alike will be keenly watching to see if he can continue his incredible form and further establish his place among the top players in the world.

For more insights on this thrilling match, you can check the full articles on BBC and The Guardian.