Jack Draper was given a real scare as he battled back to beat Mariano Navone in five sets at the Australian Open. The British number made 88 unforced errors in an untidy performance, perhaps to be expected with this being his first match since October after he missed a training block and then the United Cup earlier this month due to a hip injury.

British men's No. 1 Jack Draper emerged victorious in the opening round of the Australian Open on Monday, edging Argentina's Mariano Navone in five sets.

Jack Draper faces Thanasi Kokkinakis in Melbourne this morning in the second round of the Australian Open Credit: PA/Martin Rickett

Jack Draper declared “sometimes it's about showing some heart” after coming through a five-set battle to win his first Grand Slam match since reaching the US Open semi-finals. But the British No.1 warned his hip injury is “still not perfect” before his Ashes battle with Thanasi Kokkinakis in the next round.

Jack Draper came through a five-set battle in the first round of the Australian Open for the second year in a row. Twelve months ago, the British number one vomited into a courtside bin at the end of a gruelling win over Marcos Giron in intense Melbourne heat.

Mariano Navone (No. 46 in the world) takes on Jack Draper (No. 15) in the Round of 128 at the Australian Open.Draper last competed on September 29, 2024 at the Rakuten Japan Open