AUSTRALIAN OPEN ‘HE JUST KEEPS FIGHTING’ – WILANDER AND HENMAN ON NADAL’S ‘PERFECT START’ 5 hours ago

AUSTRALIAN OPEN ‘HE JUST KEEPS FIGHTING’ – WILANDER AND HENMAN ON NADAL’S ‘PERFECT START’  5 hours agoAUSTRALIAN OPEN ‘HE JUST KEEPS FIGHTING’ – WILANDER AND HENMAN ON NADAL’S ‘PERFECT START’  5 hours ago

Rafael Nadal "just keeps fighting" say Eurosport experts Mats Wilander and Tim Henman who were impressed by the 22-time Grand Slam champion's mentality during his first round win over Jack Draper. Nadal was tested by the Briton when Draper took the second set, but did enough to reach the last 64. Stream the 2023 Australian Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk.

Eurosport experts Mats Wilander and Tim Henman continue to be impressed by Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard fended off Jack Draper in the first round of the Australian Open.

It was expected to be a difficult match for Nadal against rising star Draper, who pushed the defending champion in the opening two sets, before losing 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1.

problem.

“I think McDonald can make it physical, and think if you’re out there and you’re young, I know Rafa is an absolute superhuman, but you still try to make it physical somewhat because he’s got the injuries and he is 36 years old, so McDonald is a tough match.

'He's such a great champion and such a great role model' - Wilander on Nadal

“It could be one of those days where it's just 6-2 6-2 6-2 to Rafa and he just looks like there is no chance, but it can be one of those matches with Rafa hitting the ball short.

“MacKenzie McDonald is very, very complete as a player. Doesn’t have the winning shot, but can push sort of like a mini Novak Djokovic without the forehand when he’s got confidence.”

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Stream the 2023 Australian Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk.