Rafael Nadal defeated Jack Draper 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1 to earn his first victory of the year and start the Australian Open title defense.
The top seed did not have an easy time against the Briton, but in the end, the 36-year-maturity old’s and stamina were the deciding factors because Draper, who is 15 years Nadal’s junior, later in the match appeared to be severely afflicted by cramp.
Nadal entered the match having lost six of his previous seven matches at the tour level, but he took the upper hand when he broke the big-serving Draper at 6-5 in the first set.
As a result, Nadal increased his lead to 4-1. However, the Spaniard did not always appear to be playing with the utmost confidence, as some unusual mistakes allowed Draper to come back and tie the score at 4-4.
Despite Draper breaking service in the first game of the fourth set, Nadal was able to break again to win the set 6-4. Draper’s legs were visibly beginning to hamper his movement and serve, and Nadal found it relatively easy to secure the victory.
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