Rafael Nadal will face Jack Draper in his first match at the Australian Open in what will be the most interesting match of the day. However, it seems that the Spanish sensation has been struggling with confidence. He lost the first 2 matches of the season, and he was uncharacteristically nervous when practicing in Melbourne. According to reports, his frustration was boiling every time he missed a forehand, and once he even hit his racket against the net, which is not normal for him.
Just been watching Rafa rip forehands at top speed for the last 15 minutes.
Most amazing thing about him is that while he was hitting well overall, he was visibly frustrated every time he missed (once hitting his racquet against the net) – more emotion than you’d see in a match. pic.twitter.com/jKqUVt8vaD
— Connor Joyce (@connorjoyceb) January 13, 2023
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Ranked world no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 2nd of January when he lost to world no.24 Alex De Minaur 3-6 6-1 7-5 in the round robin in Australia (draw).
This season Rafael has achieved a compiled 0-2 win-loss record.
Nadal will play next at the Australian Open (Australian Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 16th of January.
Draper in Adelaide, ranking, and results in 2023
Now ranked no.40 (career-high), the Brit has achieved a 4-1 match record in 2023. The Brit is competing in Adelaide where he conquered the world no.44 Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 6-2, the world no.35 Tommy Paul 6-4 6-4 and the world no.20 Karen Khachanov 6-4 7-63.
Jack Draper will fight against the world no.84 Soon-Woo Kwon in the semifinal on Friday at 4:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. The head to head is 1-0 for Draper.
Draper will play next at the Australian Open (Australian Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 16th of January.
Rafael Nadal and Jack Draper have never squared off.
