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Draper goes the distance again to set up Alcaraz clash in Melbourne
Jack Draper of Britain plays a backhand return to Aleksandar Vukic of Australia during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, January 17, 2025
In a town shaped by hardship and history, a grassroots boxing club led by Andrew McFarlane gives purpose to the next generation — including a rising champion, writes JOHN WIGHT
MARATHON man Jack Draper survived a third consecutive five-set match to set up a fourth-round clash with Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.
After going the distance against both Mariano Navone and Thanasi Kokkinakis, Draper again came from two sets to one down to see off unseeded Australian Aleksandar Vukic.
This time he could not be separated from his unheralded but impressive opponent until a deciding tie-break, which he just edged to clinch a 6-4 2-6 5-7 7-6 (5) 7-6 (10/8) victory at 12.55am.
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