Australian Open 2023 Nadal overcomes ‘stubborn’ Jack Draper, qualifies for second round. Rafael Nadal, the defending Australian Open champion, defeated Jack Draper in four sets, 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, and 6-1, to advance to the second round.
Draper, who pushed Nadal around in the early sets but gradually backed down as the match went on as he seemed to have taken a blow, required a lot of work from Nadal.
Draper made a decent account of himself against the 22-Grand Slam champion in their first-ever encounter with his serves and forehands, even though he ultimately lost.
But in the fourth set, the Briton made two strange errors that tipped the balance in favor of Nadal, who seized the chance to take the lead.
After defeating fellow American Brandon Nakashima in a grueling five-set battle, Mackenzie Mcdonald will now play Nadal. The score was 7-6, 7-6, 1-6, 7-6 6-4.
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Nadal acknowledged that the match was not flawless but insisted that the most crucial factor was winning.
“I’m overjoyed to be back in Australia for another visit. After the 3 hours and 41 minute test in the sweltering heat on Rod Laver Arena, Nadal stated, “I’m extremely enthusiastic about this fresh beginning. It’s like the 19th season on the professional circuit.
The key factor is that I needed to win. What matters is how. Today, defeating a formidable foe is what matters the most.
“We anticipated that it wouldn’t be ideal, and indeed, it wasn’t.
“But I believe I handled things nicely. I’m really happy with the victory since it allows me to play again.
