Rafael Nadal On Facing Jack Draper: One Of The Toughest 1st Rounds I Could Get

Rafael Nadal will take on young British star Jack Draper in one of the better matches opening day Monday at the Australian Open. The 21-year-old Draper gave Novak Djokovic a test at Wimbledon, and yesterday made the semifinals in Adelaide. With a powerful game based off a huge lefty serve, it will be test for Nadal in his first match in this title defense.

“Probably one of the toughest first round possible, being seeded,” Nadal said. “Young, powerful, growing very, very fast on the ranking. Playing well. Probably a big challenge for me at the beginning to start the tournament, let’s see. I’m here to just give myself a chance. I know he’s playing well. He has a lot of positive things and probably a great career in front.”

Nadal isn’t coming in with a lot of confidence, though. The Spaniard has just one match win since the US Open including two losses at the United Cup.

“I have been losing more than usual, so that is part of the business,” Nadal said. “I think I am humble enough to accept that situation and just work with what I have today. I need to build again all this momentum. I need to build again this confidence with myself with victories. But it’s true that I have been losing more than usual.

“I don’t know what can happen on Monday, but my personal feeling without a doubt is better now than three weeks ago, in general terms.”

Rafa is of course playing his first Grand Slam as a father. And being a dad, he says, won’t change a thing.

“I am able to do my normal routines, practice as much as I can. I practice probably more than ever, more than the last 10 years the last three weeks,” he said.

Nadal does have a concern and that is with the Dunlop balls.

“They say is the same but the ball is worse quality, without a doubt,” Nadal said. “I think it’s a ball that don’t get the same spin as usual. After a couple of hits, the ball lose the pressure. It’s more difficult to hit with the right spin.

“But I think it’s easier to play when you play flatter on the shots. But I need to live with it. I think I practiced enough with the ball to be ready for it.”

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