Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA
So, Nadal into the second round, where he will face Mackenzie McDonald, who was an earlier winner over his American compatriot Brandon Nakashima. That’s all for this liveblog, but look out for another one, which is about to fire up and take you through the first night session of the 2023 Australian Open! Cheerio.
Nadal wins fourth set, defeats Draper 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1!
Nadal* 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 Draper (* denotes server) Draper refuses to die! Unable to leap and lunge, he stands and delivers instead. He claws his way to deuce with some sweet swipes that even Nadal smiles at. Gusty effort, young man! But Nadal waits and watches and when the moment presents itself, he seizes it. He snaps deuce in style and, with a final coup de grace, holds hands aloft in victory. The crowd roar. Their champion is still in it. Draper shuffles into the shadows, broken but better for the experience, and Nadal swaggers into the second round. Again.
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