In the first round of the 2023 Australian Open, defending champion Rafael Nadal faced a tough test against debutant Jack Draper. The legendary Spaniard had to fight through the sweltering Melbourne heat to get his campaign started. Although he stumbled in the second set, the world no. 2 recovered to beat the rising British star 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. The match, held at Rod Laver Arena, lasted more than three and a half hours, with Nadal ultimately using his seasoned expertise and heavy forehands to secure his first singles victory of 2023 against the 21-year-old.
Defending champion Rafael Nadal overcame a stern test from debutant Jack Draper in the first round of the men’s singles match at the Australian Open 2023. Spanish great Nadal faced a tough battle to start his campaign at a sweltering Melbourne Park. World no.2 player recovered from a second-set wobble to defeat the fast-rising Draper 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in a match that was played more than three and half hours at Rod Laver Arena. The 32-year-old Spaniard brought in all his experience and used some of his trademark hammer forehands to edge past the 21-year-old young British player and registered his maiden win in men’s singles in 2023.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner is set to face USA's Mackenzie McDonald in the next round. McDonald earned his spot by defeating compatriot Brandon Nakashima in a tight contest (7-6(5), 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-7(10), 6-4). This will be their first head-to-head meeting on the ATP Tour. Nadal, who now boasts a 77-15 record at Melbourne Park, has reached the second round here for the 17th time and is aiming for his third title, following his wins in 2009 and 2022.
Statistically, Nadal hit six aces while Draper managed 11. Nadal also committed three double faults, whereas Draper only had two. The Spaniard was efficient with his opportunities, converting six of his 12 breakpoints. He maintained a strong serve, winning 72% of his first-serve points and 57% of his second-serve points. By the end of the match, the defending champion had accumulated 124 points compared to Draper's 110.
Nadal remained patient, waiting for the right moment to strike, which finally happened at 6-5 in the first set; he seized a set point with a powerful cross-court winner. However, his focus slipped in the second set, allowing the young Brit to step up his game and quickly build a 4-0 lead to take the set.
Regaining his composure, Nadal refocused his efforts on the win. He broke early in the third set to establish a 4-1 lead, dominating the longer rallies. Although Draper received medical attention for his upper right leg and managed a surprising break back, Nadal quickly reclaimed control of the match.
As the match progressed, Draper's physical struggles became evident, and he appeared to be in significant pain. Nadal took full advantage of this, cruising through the fourth set to seal the win. While Nadal's 2022 victory occurred while Novak Djokovic was absent, the nine-time champion is back this year, starting his own journey today at 2:45 pm at Rod Laver Arena against Spain's Carballes Baena.