Thanasi Kokkinakis knocked out of Australian Open as injury causes havoc in four-hour epic

Thanasi Kokkinakis has been knocked out of the Australian Open after valiantly fighting through pain during a five-set thriller with Jack Draper.

Both men battled for more than four hours but it was the Brit coming home strong to win 6-7 (3-7), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.

"Draper completes the comeback and breaks Australia's hearts, a super match from two wonderful competitors," Todd Woodbridge said on Nine.

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Kokkinakis had to fight through injury during his showdown, taking a medical timeout at one stage and grimacing constantly throughout.

The atmosphere in John Cain Arena was electric as the Australian was serving for the match after breaking Draper in the fourth set.

But the local favourite was unable to triumph, Draper fighting back and forcing a deciding set. In the fifth he overpowered Kokkinakis, who appeared increasingly bothered by injury pain.

"It was a really tough match, Thanasi is an unbelievable player, someone I have great respect for ... I'm really proud of the way I competed today, I eventually came through and I'm really happy about that," Draper said on Nine's coverage post-match.

The Brit came into the second round with his own issues after suffering a hip injury.

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His clash with Kokkinakis made it two five-set matches for the tournament after defeating Mariano Navone in the first round.

The 23-year-old said he would prefer to wrap up his matches much quicker.

"I didn't play for a few weeks, in the off season I was on the sidelines not really playing so I didn't know if I was going to be fit to come here," he said with Jon McEnroe noting his stiffness mid-interview.

"I know my tennis is improving, this match would've helped me again. The first match was four hours, I don't want to be out here for that long but I'm getting better each set and really proud with how I'm going with my tennis."

Draper's victory puts him against the Australian fans again as he prepares to play Aleksandar Vukic in the third round.