The Latest Breaking News from Rafa

Also in this week's mailbag: What is going on with ESPN's Australian Open coverage?

Casper Ruud admitted a lengthy exhibition tour with Rafael Nadal may have compromised his Australian Open chances after joining the Spaniard in making an early exit.

When Rafael Nadal pulled up short in the business end of the second set, clutching his hips and wincing in pain, a day, that had little respite from persistent showers and southerly winds that blew across the sprawling precincts of Melbourne Park, appeared to have come full circle.

As if the rain that wiped out all play on the outside courts until evening wasn’t bad enough, at 5.30pm came the mightiest of blows.

Australia's Jason Kubler stuns the tennis world by winning one of the most incredible long rallies you will ever see at the Australian Open or anywhere.

Rafa takes Briton in his stride; injured Djokovic hits practice court

The tennis legend entered another Australian Open campaign and things were going according to plan in the first set before the defending champion noticed something was wrong

Draper looked capable of causing the upset before falling in four sets

Game-by-game report: Rafa Nadal made hard work of rising British star Jack Draper but moved into the second round at Melbourne Park after a tight four-setter

The 21-year-old British star won the second set but fell to a 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1 loss on Rod Laver Arena.

As players gear up for the first grand slam of the year, Richard Evans gives his predictions for who to watch at the Australian Open.