Rafael Nadal won to Jack Draper in the star match of the first round of the Australian Open 2023. The Balearic tennis player, current number two in the ranking ATP and reigning champion of the tournament, had a tough debut against a young, left-handed and very promising opponent who promises great things in the medium and long term. Finally, Nadal was able to win in four sets and is already in the second round, where he will face the American McDonald’s.
Rafael Nadal – Draper, live
VICTORY FOR RAFA NADAL!!! (7-5, 2-6, 6-4 and 6-1)
The Spanish tennis player prevails in the first round of the Australian Open after beating Jack Draper by a score of 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 and 6-1 in three hours and 42 minutes of hard game in Melbourne.
7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 3-1. Another break for Nadal!
And Draper once again has physical problems, visibly cramped by the supernatural demands of facing Rafa Nadal in a Grand Slam. The Spanish, three games away from victory.
7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 1-1. Return the break Nadal!
Very good reaction from Rafa, who promptly resolves the problems and equalizes the contest with a balsamic counterbreak for his chances of closing the match in four sets.
7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 0-1. Break for Draper!
The fourth set starts like the second and it’s not a good sign at all. Jack Draper, fully recovered from his discomfort, broke Nadal’s serve and commanded the set from the start.
7-5, 2-6, 6-4. SET CHRISTMAS!
The Balearic breaks and celebrates it. The third set is his and he is only one away from the second round of the Australian Open. By the way, the Spaniard would already have a rival in this round, the American McDonald, who beat Nakashima in five sets.
7-5, 2-6, 5-4. Nadal remains for the third
With Draper recovered from his physical problems, it is now Rafa who must confirm that he is one of his regularly. The manacorí takes forward his service and subtracts to win the third set. Very important game.
7-5, 2-6, 4-3. RAISE DRAPER!
The Briton is impressive… and also Nadal’s downturn. The Spaniard is going in jerks and now he loses two games in a row in a true thriller that is not known how it will end.
7-5, 2-6, 4-1. Draper continues in the party
Jack Draper has been treated by the tournament physio and is rejoining the match. Key stage now to find out what the evolutions of the British are.
7-5, 2-6, 3-1. Break Nadal and Draper injured!
Leg ailments for the Briton, which come together with the break of a Nadal who, despite costing him, is knowing how to suffer to overcome a very tough obstacle in the first round. We will have to wait another game for Draper to be seen by the physio.
7-5, 2-6, 2-1. Nadal starts commanding
Nothing easy for Nadal, who takes two complicated games to serve to take control of the third set. Of course, there are no breaks in between in a game that is going to be very hard until the winner is chosen.
7-5, 2-6. Set, DRAPER!
A tie at one and on the way to the third set after a set to forget for Nadal. A third set begins that will be key to the future of the match. Rafael, in danger.
7-5, 1-4. First game for Nadal!
Suffering a lot and without good feelings, but Nadal manages to take the first game for his locker in this second set. He will have to continue rowing the Balearic Islands against an excellent Draper so far.
7-5, 0-3. Nadal sinks on set
Second consecutive break for the British tennis player, who is embroidering it in this second set, with a misplaced and offside Nadal. It takes practically a miracle to overcome this second round.
7-5, 0-1. Draper breaks Nadal
The second set does not start well for the Spanish. Draper not only has not accused the blow, but he got up with a very meritorious break to start the second set.
7-5. SET FOR NADAL!
The Spaniard is impressive, who at the right moment deals a final blow to draper in his aspirations in this first set, which leaves for Manacor. nadal He gets ahead of the game and celebrates in style. Go!
6-5. Nadal remains for the set
The level of Spanish with his service is magnificent and the tie-break is assured. Bet nadal for her last chance before sudden death, which in case of an error will be the one that decides who wins the first set.
4-4. We continue without breaks
nadalvery firm with his shots from the bottom of the track, for the moment he can’t find a way to hurt draper. He had a breaking ball from Manacorí, which he could not take advantage of, and he continues working in search of closing the first set of the match.
2-2. insurance to serve
So much nadal What draper They have started the game very confident with their service. There are practically no points to the rest in the left-handed duel that opens the list of great matches of the australian openon the first day of competition.
Starts the match!
After the scoring in the warm-up and the consequent preparation by both parties, Rafa Nadal and Jack Draper are now ready to start the match. Nadal will serve. The Australian Open begins for the number one seed.
Rafa Nadal – Draper: Australian Open 2023 match result today