Jack Draper v Aleksandar Vukic live score: Australian Open latest and Novak Djokovic v Tomas Machac updates – UK Times

Draper will serve first as we get underway on the Margaret Court Arena.

Draper came into the Australian Open with concerns over his physical condition after missing much of his pre-season with a hip injury, but the 15th seed has now survived two five-set matches in a row to reach the third round.

There was a notable improvement in Draper’s performance levels from his opening win over Mariano Navone and, although he believes there is more to come, he is taking pride in how his body is holding up as he looks to build on last season’s run to the US Open semi-finals.

“It’s been really difficult in the last few years with question marks over long matches and backing up performances,” Draper said. “I wouldn’t say I’m playing my best tennis. Obviously, I’ve had a tough preparation, but I’m proud of my mentality, my body and the way I competed.

“It’s a huge step forward.”

Machac put real pressure on Djokovic as he painted the line with a backhand winner to look at break point….

But Djokovic stands firm! He saves as Machac floats one long, with Djokovic closing out the set behind serve, thundering an ace.

He moves into a two-set lead, giving Machac a long way back. Djokovic heads off the court for more treatment.

Given his condition, this surely isn’t over yet. Machac needs to cut out the errors.

This will be the first career meeting between Draper and Vukic. Both players are playing in the Australian Open third round for the first time.

Draper, the 15th seed, reached the US Open semi-finals last season while this is already Vukuc’s best result at the grand slams.

Draper receives some cheers as he takes to the Margaret Court Arena. The crowd is not as hostile as it was when he beat Kokkinakis, but let’s see how that changes.

The 23-year-old also facing a test of endurance today after surviving two five-setters to reach the third round. Draper’s win over Kokkinakis was the longest of his career at four and a half hours.

A love-hold from Machac, in a very rare service game without facing difficulty, and Djokovic will now serve for the second set.

Machac needs to throw everything at this. Djokovic has just played a very loose couple of points and is down 0-30…

Jack Draper warned the Australian fans that booing only makes him play better after his win over Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Draper held his finger to his ear at several points during the 6-7 (3) 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 victory, with chair umpire Marijana Veljovic struggling to contain the home fans and control the atmosphere.

Draper is likely to face a similar scenario when he plays Australian Aleksandar Vukic in the third round but the 23-year-old said that the hostile crowd gave him energy.

Djokovic is digging deep. He outlasts Machac in a 25-shot rally, as the Czech finds the net on the backhand, to move to the brink of consolidating the break. Another error from Machac and Djokovic holds.

Machac is not able to find the consistency from the baseline. Djokovic, despite appearing to be tired between points, is remaining solid.

Impressive win from Coco Gauff! She dismisses the challenge of Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-2, racing away with the second set.

Up next on Margaret Court Arena, Jack Draper faces the home crowd and Aleksandar Vukic.

Up next for Coco Gauff is a meeting with Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, who progressed when Naomi Osaka retired earlier.

Djokovic raises his arms and asks for more after crushing a backhand winner behind Machac, winning a 30-shot rally.

But the 37-year-old again doubles over in between the point, hanging his head over his feet and catching his breath.

Break point. Machac can’t keep his forehand in play and is simply not doing enough to add to Djokovic’s concerns.

Djokovic struggling but a break up.

Djokovic steels himself and holds to level the second set.

Machac will surely take some encouragement from Djokovic’s physical struggles.

Can he extend this for as long as possible? That’s got to be the goal.