The opening test concluded with a triumph and the crowd lifting their voices in celebration. Nadal began the season with victory, opening his campaign by defending his Australian Open title against Jack Draper in a straight sets contest, 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Nadal entered the match with clear strategic ideas and a conviction that his opponent would be dangerous. The British 21-year-old left-hander had surged from outside the top 200 to climb to 38 in a single season, earning a first Australian Grand Slam appearance at the storied Rod Laver Arena.
Currently ranked world number two, Nadal imposed a high tempo, delivering power and precision with his serve, a weapon that put pressure on Draper who struggled to answer the pace and placement from the baseline.
Nadal called for a timeout after about half an hour of play and emerged with a 4-3 lead. He seized the opportunity to take the first set, and the arena, with capacity around 15,000, rang with the opening-day energy as the crowd rode the momentum.
Draper’s reaction and injury
The match proceeded into the second set, where Draper, hampered by a blow, requested the first timeout. A brief stoppage followed due to light rain and a roof closure. After the restart, the British player tried to shake off the setback, earning a separate timeout at 3-0 to regroup and search for momentum. The roof opened again, and only a few games remained in the set as Nadal regained control and Draper struggled to sustain his rhythm.
The contest stretched to two hours of intense play before further challenges emerged. Draper felt discomfort in his right leg, enduring a contraction and two double faults as the match reached a critical moment. The Briton returned refreshed but could not secure the set, his resolve tested by the relentless pressure from his seasoned opponent.
With Nadal pulling away, Draper faced an uphill climb that proved insurmountable. The Spaniard pressed forward, and after three hours and forty-one minutes he sealed the victory, allowing Draper only a single game in the end as the physical strain mounted on both sides. Nadal’s next opponent was American Mackenzie McDonald, ranked 63rd, in store for the following Wednesday.
Kyrgios Retreat
As Nadal played in another part of the venue’s press area, Nick Kyrgios announced his withdrawal due to a knee issue. The former Wimbledon finalist reflected on the tournament as one of the most significant in his career, expressing a sense of disappointment after the decision at the age of 27, with aspirations higher than the present moment.
All results and schedules are available on the official Australian Open website, with ongoing coverage and updates as the tournament progresses.