Rafael Nadal, the reigning Australian Open champion, narrowly avoided becoming the first defending champion to lose in the first round since his coach, Carlos Moya, defeated Boris Becker 25 years ago. Nadal faced 21-year-old Jack Draper in a match that was closely contested, with the temperature reaching 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite Draper’s struggles with cramps and a brief lead in the fourth set, Nadal ultimately emerged victorious with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory.
Nadal acknowledged that his performance was not at its best, due to his recent losses and injury history. Nadal had an 0-2 record in 2023 and six losses in his past seven outings overall. Despite this, he emphasized the importance of securing a win. Nadal is the top seed, as Carlos Alcaraz is injured, and is competing in his 67th Grand Slam tournament. Draper, ranked 38th, is participating in his fourth major tournament. He has previously struggled with heat, collapsing during his debut at the Miami Open in 2021.
In other results from Monday, American Frances Tiafoe, seeded 16th, defeated Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6) to reach the Australian Open second round for the fifth time in his career. American women Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Danielle Collins, the 2022 runner-up at Melbourne Park, also progressed to the second round with victories. Other winners included 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, and sixth-seeded Maria Sakkari. Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka defeated 2020 winner Sofia Kenin 6-4, 7-6 (3).
The biggest surprise of the day was the withdrawal of Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, who requires surgery on his left knee. Kyrgios expressed his disappointment, having previously won the men’s doubles championship at Melbourne.
