The Spanish top seed unleashed some of his trademark hammer forehands, but also made 46 unforced errors, before defeating Briton Jack Draper 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 at the Australian Open.
MELBOURNE - Defending champion Rafael Nadal admitted he had been far from perfect after grinding down a man 15 years his junior to kickstart his bid for a 23rd Grand Slam title Monday.
"Super-happy to be back here in Australia one more time. It's like the 19th season in the professional tour so very excited about this new beginning," Nadal said after the 3hrs 41mins test in blistering heat on Rod Laver Arena. Little separated them in a first set notable for a bizarre incident in which Nadal complained one of his racquets had gone missing.
The Spaniard regrouped and broke early in the third set to move 4-1 in front, winning the long rallies. Draper needed repeated treatment on his upper right leg, but against the odds broke back before Nadal again stepped up.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Vulnerable' Nadal says Djokovic clear favourite at Australian Open | SportDefending champion Rafael Nadal admitted Saturday he felt vulnerable heading into the Australian Open after two straight defeats in the build-up and said that Novak Djokovic was clear favourite. | Sport24news
Read more »
Nadal launches title defence as Australian Open ushers in new eraChampion says first round is the most open in years
Read more »
Nadal facing tough test in Australian Open defenceRafael Nadal opens his Australian Open title defence Monday feeling vulnerable and against a dangerous young opponent, with women's top seed Iga Sw...
Read more »
Nadal facing tough test in Australian Open defence | SportRafael Nadal opens his Australian Open title defence Monday feeling vulnerable and against a dangerous young opponent, with women's top seed Iga Swiatek also facing a tricky encounter as she targets a maiden crown. | Sport24news
Read more »
Nadal launches title defence as Australian Open ushers in new eraRafa Nadal will kick off his Australian Open title defence on Monday with a first round test against rising Briton Jack Draper as a new era begins on the blue hard courts of Melbourne Park.
Read more »
Ons Jabeur targets first Grand Slam title at Australian OpenA quarterfinal berth at the 2020 Australian Open marked Ons Jabeur's arrival as a Grand Slam force but the Tunisian trailblazer will not be satisfied with a repeat performance at Melbourne Park this year.
Read more »