Men's singles first round
Rafael Nadal has tamed promising 21-year-old Jack Draper in a heavily hyped battle of the southpaws in the first outing of his Australian Open title defence.
MORE: All the scores from Day 1 at AO 2023
The top seed was pressed for the initial three hours before his physicality proved too strong for the Briton in a 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1 triumph.
The build-up
Fending off persistent questions of retirement after a pair of scratchy losses to Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur at the United Cup leading in, Nadal insisted he had made up significant ground in the weeks since.
No one dared question his ability to turn it on for a major after his heroics from two sets down to deny Daniil Medvedev in last year’s final but if there was ever a chance to catch the Spaniard underdone, Draper knew it was better to have drawn him early on.
The 21-year-old Briton was arguably one of the toughest opening unseeded tasks in this year’s men’s draw.
After a second ATP 500 semifinal in Adelaide last week, he climbed to a career-best world No.38.
If he was the type to latch on to omens he could have done worse than look back to Nadal’s only defeat from 17 previous first-round outings at Melbourne Park.
That also came against a lefty, Fernando Verdasco, back in 2016.
It had been 26 years, however, since a defending champion had fallen in the opening round.
That unfolded when Nadal’s coach, Carlos Moya, surprised Boris Becker en route to his maiden Grand Slam final.
Story of the match
Draper has only contested six best-of-five-set matches in his fledgling career and knew he had to start strong against one of the sport’s endurance warriors.
Neither player could be separated through the first 11 games before Nadal began to up the ante.
A flicked forehand passing shot curled past Draper, leaving him shaking his head in frustration at a poor drop shot attempt.
MORE: Australian Open 2023 men's singles draw
It was a momentary brain fade that proved telling and the only invitation the top seed needed as he thumped three forehands – two for clean winners – to snatch a tight opening set.
Unperturbed, Draper broke immediately on a flawless volley in the second set and with a double break and momentum soon firmly in his corner the match headed to a third set.
While Draper managed to peg back a break, he needed to have his left leg massaged at the change of ends before he stepped up to serve at 4-5.
His average first-serve speed was slowly dipping with each passing set as he struggled to maintain his level and after losing a gruelling 66-minute third set, the wheels fast began to wobble.
The Spaniard was beginning to wear down his younger opponent.
As the last of the after shadows vanished, Draper pulled up suddenly to surrender a lengthy exchange and soon after, the telling break.
Cramps took hold and his 36-year-old foe surged to the finish line.
Key stats
While Draper possessed the faster average first serve speed – 185.5km/h – and his 13 aces were more than double his opponent’s, his heavier delivery was ultimately less effective.
Nadal won 73 per cent of first-serve points to the Briton’s 63 per cent.
The Spaniard’s greatest shot, his forehand, was his most telling blow with 22 winners off that wing to Draper’s seven.
What this means for Nadal
Nadal was far from his best but a gritty win can't do any harm as he looks to build momentum for another deep stay.
There was visible relief among his support crew and an admission it was a long road ahead to win back-to-back Australian Open titles but the first hurdle was cleared.
American Mackenzie McDonald now has the uphill task of facing the top seed in the second round.
“Last year had been one of the most emotional tournaments of my tennis career, no doubt about that,” Nadal said. “Unfortunately that passed, so we need to keep working.
“I’m super happy to be back here in Australia one more time. I don't know, it's like my 19th season on the professional tour. I’m very excited about this new beginning… The last couple of months haven't been easy for me, but hopefully this victory will help me.”
What’s next for Draper?
Draper had the heart and the game to take it to the best, but at 21, he still needed time to build strength and fitness.
"(It was a) real honour to play against him, someone I've idolised growing up," Draper said. "To go toe-to-toe with him on a big court like that is special.
"I think I can take away the fact that my tennis is getting closer and closer and physically I'll be first to say I'm still a work in progress."
His promise was undeniable, and left quite the impression on his victorious opponent.
"I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round, being seeded," Nadal said.
"He's young, (has) power and I think he has a great future in front. We're going to see him playing a lot of years here."