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Rafael Nadal overcame a first round scare from Jack Draper to begin his Australian Open defence with a win
Rafael Nadal began his 2023 Australian Open defence on a winning note by seeing off Jack Draper 7-6 2-6 6-4 6-1 to book his spot in the second round against Mackenzie McDonald.
The match was a big test for the defending champion, who dropped a set but prevailed in a battle of fitness against the British debutant.
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Draper played superbly to level the match at a set, but unfortunately, the 21-year-old soon developed cramps and was left groaning in pain which affected his performance. Nadal closed out the match after four hours at the Rod Laver Arena.
Nadal confident of having a good tournament
The 22-time Grand Slam winner revealed post-match that the match was a very positive start.
"If we put in perspective all the situations I went through the last six months, it has been a very positive start. I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round. He's young, he has the power and I think he has a great future in front (of him)."
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And on what he has to do to keep the winning momentum for the rest of the tournament, Nadal said he will need to ‘rebuild’.
“I need to build again all this momentum. I need to build again this confidence with myself with victories. By the way, I didn’t play that bad in the first two matches of the year. I lost against two great opponents.
“I already have been here [Australia] for three weeks, practicing every day with that conditions, with the best players. That helps a lot in general terms,” he said.
Nadal revealed he is in a great place concerning his health. “I practice probably more than ever, more than the last 10 years. The last three weeks have been a positive experience in all ways. I’m very satisfied about these three weeks of work and, of course, having the family with me.”
Draper post-match interview
"I felt at the beginning of the third that my tennis was right there. I almost felt like I was in control of the match at that point.
"The first set's always tough. I've never been on court with Rafa before. The second set, I sort of calmed down and started playing really well. If I would have carried on that way, who knows?
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"I just need to investigate why I'm getting (cramp), but also know that I've only just started really with my fitness trainer that I've invested in. Obviously, playing a player like Rafa on Rod Laver is something that I'll remember for a very long time. A real honour to play against him, someone I've idolised growing up.
"To go toe-to-toe with him on a big court like that is special. I think I can take away the fact that my tennis is getting closer and closer," he concluded.
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