2023 Australian Open R128: [1] Rafael Nadal vs Jack Draper

[Silverbullet96]

Looks like Draper is giving out physically. Expected given that Nadal is 21 and Draper is 36.

 

[Red Rick]

Lmao these guys can't even last 3 sets anymore

 

[MichaelNadal]

 

[junior74]

Now that it’s capped, I gotta say that anyone who actually thought this guy would beat Rafa is officially on StrongRule level. Draper can’t even stand up

Two sets of cramping are not that easy to predict, no?

Based on Rafa's level, I think most players in the draw could have beaten him today, to be completely honest.

 

[Rafa.the.Magnificent]

Of course I want Rafa to win but you have to feel bad for the guy. Geez.

 

[NeutralFan]

rent free

Says guy who is saying who can or can't beat this horrible Rafa and is not happy even his hero got a cupcake draw, hypocrite.

 

[Third Serve]

go nads

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Nadal will get this won in 4 now. I see him improving in tournament after this. This was his banana skin match.

 

[MeatTornado]

Nadal on course to get destroyed by Medvedev in the QF

That would be a first

 

[Terenigma]

Draper has given up. That point went right down the centre of the court and he didn't even attempt it. Awful, maybe train more before entering a slam.

 

[Federer_pilon]

lmao Nadal can't even return these weak serves properly...

 

[ChaelAZ]

I am taking a standard line for Nadal where he drops one set somewhere, rolls well in 2, then there is one tight set. Pretty typical call when he doesn't look to have a lot of warm up matches. I actually think this match could be on Jack's racquet if he can handle the moment and play free. But excited to see the start of the season in any case.

Yeah, almost a protypical Nadal 1st round match.

Draper did his part. Now I can get to bed! Thank goodness to be off tomorrow.

 

[Third Serve]

Nadal on course to get destroyed by Medvedev in the QF

we’re talking about Daniil Medvedev right? not some other Medvedev?

 

[The_Order]

Bread stick incoming

 

[weakera]

The bakery is open, is chef Rafa serving bread sticks?

 

[MichaelNadal]

lmao Nadal can't even return these weak serves properly...

 

[Silverbullet96]

Draper is cramping. Vamos and bye-bye

Djokovic-Nadal versions of cramping or the regular cramping ? If it's the former he'll get better as he plays more, and his serve and volley game should get better the more he cramps.

 

[weakera]

we’re talking about Daniil Medvedev right? not some other Medvedev?

These balls are good for his game

 

[junior74]

Draper's serve is on Suresh' level now, just a little less smooth

 

[DSH]

Learn Djokovic fans, that's what it means to be truly injured!

 

[Federer_pilon]

Draper's serve is on Suresh' level now, just a little less smooth

Nadal still hitting weak returns on those...

 

[junior74]

Djokovic-Nadal versions of cramping or the regular cramping ? If it's the former he'll get better as he plays more, and his serve and volley game should get better the more he cramps.

He has been cramping for two sets. Hasn't moved for 10 minutes now. But I like that he doesn't retire, like most young guys do in those situations. Kudos.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

That was a shocking double fault…

 

[Terenigma]

Well good to know the first match i watched of this years Australian open was absolute garbage. It means it can only get better from here!

Also Nadal hitting double faults now haha

 

[Aussie Darcy]

And the ball lands in… 30-30.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Matches like this put into perspective how insane Fed, Nadal and Novak are for playing so well/long into their 30's.

 

[junior74]

Nadal still hitting weak returns on those...

Nadal got extremely lucky today. I think half the draw would have beaten this Nadal. His level is shockingly low.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Now a break point for Draper… son don’t delay the inevitable for us

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Nadal on course to get destroyed by Medvedev in the QF

He will raise his level by then. I expect raga to improve the longer he can stay in the event.

 

[Rudiiii]

Draper can't walk, and sportsman Nadal giving free points to Jack

 

[Terenigma]

Draper can't even move and he has BP... LOL

 

[MeatTornado]

Feels like they're both trolling each other

 

[DSH]

He has been cramping for two sets. Hasn't moved for 10 minutes now. But I like that he doesn't retire, like most young guys do in those situations. Kudos.

Chung

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Draper cramping but slamming winners for another BP…

 

[weakera]

The bakery is open, is chef Rafa serving bread sticks?

Sorry everyone

 

[The_Order]

Nearly broken by a guy that can't even run...

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Nadal finally gets it done. Not a great match but he wins in 4.

7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1.

 

[Terenigma]

Finally its over. Nadal crawls across the line.

 

[junior74]

Chung

Musetti's retirement was the best, 2-0 up, then loses like 16 games in a row and retires with 5 minutes left

 

[The Blond Blur]

Feel bad for Draper those cramps got very bad in the 4th set to the point where he stopped moving. Fair play to him for finishing the match. I’m just glad I can finally go to bed now after enduring that harrowing experience.

 

[NeutralFan]

The underdog wins this first match and marches on.

 

[Red Rick]

The celebration after beating a guy who can't run for 3 sets.

 

[SonicNirvana]

Feel bad for Draper those cramps got very bad in the 4th set to the point where he stopped moving. Fair play to him for finishing the match. I’m just glad I can finally go to bed now after enduring that harrowing experience.

Vamos my friend

 

[SonicNirvana]

Have to watch 22 RG QF to cleanse the palate

 

[Bud]

Messy match but got the win

 

[MichaelNadal]

Thank you Rafa for making sure I enjoy my breakfast burritos this morning

 

[DSH]

Nadal should have this. His ball is special and it's usually tough for first timers to feel comfortable their first time out against him.

Bull gutted Draper!

 

[The Guru]

Good result I hope Rafa makes at least the quarters

 

[DSH]

Musetti's retirement was the best, 2-0 up, then loses like 16 games in a row and retires with 5 minutes left

 

[ghostofMecir]

Rafito to finish off Draper 6-4 and 6-2 here.