Melbourne, January 16: Rafael Nadal secured his first win of the year as he began the defence of his Australian Open title by beating Jack Draper 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1.
The number one seed did not have it all his own way against the Briton, but ultimately the class and fitness of the 36-year-old made the difference as Draper – 15 years Nadal's junior – appeared to be heavily affected by cramp later in the match.
Nadal had lost six of his last seven tour-level matches coming in, but gained the advantage after he managed to break at 6-5 up in an even first set against the big-serving Draper.
Draper fought back emphatically as he raced into a 4-0 lead in the second, seeing it out comfortably to level up at 1-1, but he appeared to start cramping just two games into the third set.
Nadal took advantage and went 4-1 ahead, but the Spaniard did not always seem at his confident best himself as some uncharacteristic errors allowed his opponent back in, with Draper breaking back and managing to get to 4-4.
Nadal was able to break again to take the set 6-4, and despite Draper breaking serve in the opening game of the fourth, that was his last success of the match as the 21-year-old's legs clearly started to affect his movement and serve, with Nadal finding it simple enough to close out the win.
V A M O S 🔥
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2023
Make that 7️⃣7️⃣ career wins in Melbourne for Nadal!@RafaelNadal • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/HUTYoBilL5
Data slam: Nadal matches Lendl for career wins
This was the 1,068th win of Nadal's career, bringing him level with Ivan Lendl.
The 22-time grand slam winner is now tied for third most victories in the Open Era, behind only Jimmy Connors (1,274) and Roger Federer (1,251).
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Nadal – 41/46
Draper – 35/46
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Nadal – 6/3
Draper – 13/3
BREAK POINTS WON
Nadal – 6/12
Draper – 4/11
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