Jack Draper wrecked his racket before getting booed by the fans at the Australian Open (Image: Eurosport)
Tempers flared for as he faced an Aussie player for the second match in a row at Melbourne Park.
After splitting sets with Aleksandar Vukic, the 15th seed found himself facing a set point in the third and obliterated his racket in frustration.
It delayed the next point as Draper went to dig out a new racket and dampener while the crowd booed. But he was happy to give it back, jeering the fans on as commentators claimed he “lost the plot”.
After a tight third set, Vukic drew first blood and broke to serve for it at 6-5. But Draper had an opportunity to get back on serve and force a tiebreak with two break-back points.
He couldn’t convert them and suddenly his opponent had a set point. And the frustration was too much for the British No. 1, who slammed his racket into the ground in anger as Vukic had the upper hand at 40-30.
“Just spilling over for Draper right now,” Jo Durie remarked on commentary as Draper went to his bench to grab a new racket, making Vukic and the crowd wait.
“Makes absolutely sure it’s a goner. What he has done is delay this next point and it’s set point,” Chris Bradnam added.
Jack Draper riled up the crowd while getting booed (Image: Eurosport)
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Draper received a code violation for smashing his racket and the Margaret Court Arena crowd started booing as they waited for the 23-year-old to return to the baseline and continue the game.
“The delay in time. No wonder the crowd are getting on his back,” Durie said. Vukic wasted no time once Draper was back in action, slamming a huge serve past him to take the set and lead 4-6 6-2 7-5.
Draper was booed as he returned to his bench and taunted the fans in response, sarcastically clapping them and giving a thumbs-up.
Both commentators were concerned that the world No. 15 was getting caught up. “He’s inviting trouble, isn’t he,” Bradnam said.
Draper left the court and, when he returned, Durie replied: “Jack just losing the plot a bit unfortunately.
“He needs to get himself together quickly. The crowd are really into this now… it’s going to be tough for Draper.”
The two-time title winner also . Draper riled them up, touching his ear.
During his on-court interview, Draper jibed: “It was a tough atmosphere to deal with. You guys were obviously all with Thanasi but I had a little fun back as well!”