Australian Open: Rafael Nadal grinds down injured Jack Draper to reach second round | Tennis News

rtsuggests January 16, 2023 Sports Leave a comment 0 Views

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MELBOURNE: Defending champion Rafael Nadal dropped a set but prevailed in a battle of fitness against Jack Draper to reach the second round of the Australian Open on Monday with an unconvincing 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1 over the injured Briton.
Fellow left-hander Draper played superb tennis to level the match at a set all but the 21-year-old soon developed leg troubles and was left groaning in pain as Nadal closed out the match on a warm and sunny afternoon at Rod Laver Arena.

“One of the most beautiful things in this life.” 🥰@RafaelNadal on becoming a dad. #AusOpen • #AO2023 https://t.co/e7uED9u7Ul

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1673855774000

Nadal was broken first game of the final set when Draper punished a dubious attempted drop-shot with a winner but the Spaniard won the next six games in succession to claim the match as the ailing Briton bowed out swinging.

First hurdle cleared ☝️@RafaelNadal • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2023 https://t.co/u0ZC6254ZR

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1673854787000

Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title, will next face Mackenzie McDonald for a place in the third round.

Is there anything he won’t sign 😂@RafaelNadal • #AusOpen • #AO2023 https://t.co/7eeu25hd4q

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1673854960000

V A M O S 🔥Make that 7️⃣7️⃣ career wins in Melbourne for Nadal!@RafaelNadal • #AusOpen • #AO2023 https://t.co/HUTYoBilL5

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1673854390000

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