Defending Australian Open Men’s Champion Rafael Nadal is into the second round after a four-set win over Jack Draper in nearly four hours. Nadal won 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 to book a second-round meeting with Mackenzie McDonald.
Australian Open debutant Draper lost 13 aces to Nadal’s six, with both players registering 46 unforced errors.
The winner of 22 Grand Slam had revealed that he had to “rebuild”. “I need to build all this momentum again. I need to build this confidence in myself again with victories.
“By the way, I didn’t play so badly the first two games of the year. I lost against two great opponents.
“I’ve already been here [Australia] for three weeks, practicing every day in those conditions, with the best players. That helps a lot in general terms.”
Nadal revealed that he is in a great place regarding his health. “I probably practice more than ever, more than the last 10 years, the last three weeks.
“It has been a positive experience in every way. I am very satisfied with these three weeks of work and, of course, having the family with me”.
In other news, Nick Kyrgios has had to withdraw from the 2023 Australian Open due to injury. A left knee injury has left the world number 21 unable to play in front of his home crowd. “(This is) one of the most important tournaments of my career. It has not been easy at all”, revealed Kyrgios at a press conference.
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“Obviously I am extremely disappointed. This is life. Injuries are part of sport. I guess I can take inspiration from someone like Thanasi (Kokkinakis) who has had a lot of injuries and recovered,” Kyrgios added.
In the women’s draw, a heavily bandaged Emma Raducanu defeated Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets 6-3 6-2. She was a tough task in the second round where she will face Cori Gauff, who dispatched Katerina Siniakova 6-1 6-4.
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