Australian Open Results: Rafael Nadal grinds down injured Jack Draper: Defending champion Rafa Nadal dropped a set but prevailed in a battle of fitness against Jack Draper to reach the second round of the Australian Open on Monday with an unconvincing 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1 over the injured Briton. Follow Australian Open 2023 live updates with InsidesSport.IN
Australian Open Results: Rafael Nadal grinds down injured Jack Draper to reach second round
Fellow lefthander Draper played superb tennis to level the match at a set all but the 21-year-old soon developed leg troubles and was left groaning in pain as Nadal closed out the match on a warm and sunny afternoon at Rod Laver Arena.
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Nadal was broken first game of the final set when Draper punished a dubious attempted drop-shot with a winner but the Spaniard won the next six games in succession to claim the match as the ailing Briton bowed out swinging.
Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title, will next face Mackenzie McDonald for a place in the third round.
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Australian Open Results: Rafael Nadal grinds down injured Jack Draper to reach second round
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