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Stefan Tonev
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Nadal beats cramp-hit Brit Draper at Australian Open
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Spaniard earns first win of 2023 season

Back at the Australian Open for the first time since his epic five-set comeback in the 2022 final, top seed Rafael Nadal won another see-saw match in Rod Laver Arena to kickstart his title defence on Monday.

The Spaniard delivered in the crucial moments of a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory against 21-year-old debutante Jack Draper to reach the Melbourne second round for the 17th time.

The Brit, however, gave Nadal all manner of problems, but was held back by apparent cramping in both the third and fourth sets.

“Last year was without a doubt one of the most emotional tournaments of my tennis career. I’m super happy to be back here in Australia one more time,” 36-year-old Nadal said in his on-court interview.

“I know it’s my 19th season on the professional Tour. I’m very excited about this new beginning, just super happy to be back here in Rod Laver Arena with a victory that I needed. The last couple of months haven’t been easy for me, but hopefully this victory is going to help me.

“If we put [today’s match] in the perspective of all that I went through in the past six months, [it was] a very positive start.

“I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round, being seeded. He is young, he has the power and I think he has a great future in front [of him]. We are going to see him playing a lot of years here, having very good results.”

Playing for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam singles title, Nadal is seeking his third title in Melbourne (2009, 2022).

The Spaniard will meet Mackenzie McDonald in the second round after the American’s 7-6(5), 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-7(10), 6-4 win against countryman Brandon Nakashima on Monday.