Rafael Nadal praises Jack Draper after hard-fought first-round win
ATP
Rafael Nadal had only words of praise for Jack Draper, who he beat in the first round of the 2023 Australian Open.
While the scoreline looked very comfortable, the match itself was anything but comfortable for Nadal, who barely won the third set, which was decisive in the match.
The Spaniard won the opening set of the match 7-5, but Draper rallied back in the second set. The left-handed Brit was very impressive, winning the second set 6-2.
On top of that, in the third set, he recovered from a 1-4 deficit to extend the set. Still, Nadal was able to win the third set 6-4 and then also the fourth set 6-1 to secure his second-round spot.
Still, he was impressed by Draper's qualities, and he spoke about the British youngster after the match, showing him respect and wishing him well for the future.
"He’s a great player with a lot of potential, young. A great future in front, I think. So [it] was a tough, tough match. Full respect for him. Wish him well for the future."
Draper is still a young player who lacks experience on the biggest stage. This was only the fourth main draw of a Grand Slam for him, and the first one in Australia.
He needs to get tougher physically to handle matches like these. His fatigue issues have been rather known, and he suffered a health scare in Miami when he collapsed in the heat last year. Nadal noticed Draper's physical struggles, too, as the British player started cramping during their match.
"I think it's only cramping that happened at the end to him. Hopefully it’s nothing important. But I think he is in the right position to have a very productive season. I am happy that I was able to win against a great player this afternoon."
