'Take it to him and see what happens': Underdog Aussie veteran primed for Jannik Sinner clash
Aussie veteran Aleksander Vukic is dreaming of a monumental upset when he takes on the world's best men's tennis player at Wimbledon in the early hours of Friday morning (AEST).
The 29-year-old Sydneysider has drawn No.1 seed Jannik Sinner in round two at the All England Club.
Coincidentally, last year he played eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz - a former world No.1 - in the second round.
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The world No.93 Aussie returns to the famed Centre Court to face the Italian superstar and hopes the experience of last year can help his cause.
"I feel good," he told Nine's Today.
Aleksandar Vukic of Australia. Getty
"I'm obviously the underdog, but honestly it's one of those where this doesn't happen too often, I'm embracing the occasion, you dream of something like this.
"I'm going to make the most of the opportunity that's coming and take it to him, and we'll see what happens.
"I was serving for the first set against Carlos last year, so I'll try to close it out next time.
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"But playing against Carlos on Court 1 last year, it was a good experience. Definitely different playing on the big show courts compared to the ones I usually play on.
"It's more like an arena, and something I kind of relish. I'm also looking forward to playing on one of the best courts in tennis."
Vukic takes on Jannik Sinner in round two. DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Vukic is one of four Australian men still alive at Wimbledon.
Alex de Minaur will take on Arthur Cazaux on Thursday night, and Rinky Hijikata is also in action on day four against Ben Shelton.
A busted Jordan Thompson somehow won his second round match on Thursday morning and is through to round three.
"The Aussies always seem to shine on the grass," Vukic said.
"Obviously Demon (de Minaur) is kind of leading the charge, a proven top-10 player, so he can go maybe all the way.
"We all love the grass. For Aussie tennis I think we're in the best spot in 20 or 30 years."
