Playing back-to-back five-setters for the first time in his career – and winning them both against Argentina’s Mariano Navone and Kokkinakis – provided a deep sense of satisfaction for Draper.
There was a time not too long ago when the left-handed Englishman lamented being known as “the guy who is injured a lot”.
The early part of his career was challenging because of regular physical issues and it was no coincidence his ascension up the ATP rankings last year came as a result of spending more time on court.
Draper’s fullest season so far led to a first ATP title, taking over as British number one and the run to the US Open semi-finals which alerted him to a wider audience.
A hip injury which disrupted his off-season not only came at an unfortunate time, it allowed the people who questioned his durability to resurface.
When the Briton clinched the first set against Vukov in 30 minutes, it seemed like a more straightforward night ahead.
Vukic, a late-bloomer playing in the third round of a major for the first time, caused damage with his forehand but did not have the consistency to turn an early break into a lead.
Draper fought back with the help of some explosive hitting, including a running forehand winner around the net post which drew gasps from the crowd.
However, Draper’s level plummeted in the second and third sets as Vukic turned the match around.
Smashing a racquet on the court, and having a pop at the booing fans, allowed a tense Draper to let off some steam before the fourth.
A tight set produced more shots from both men worthy of the match highlights reel, including a precise inside-out forehand across the court and a backhand volley from Vukic which saved two set points.
Draper continued to move forward in the court more at the start of the decider, helping him pinch an early break – but Vukic fed off the crowd energy to recover again.
The first-to-10 match tie-break was a fitting end to settle the contest and Draper, having led 3-0 and trailed 6-5, placed an unreturned first serve down the middle on his second match point.
