“He should be fined if not suspended”- Fans slam Rafael Nadal for competing against an ‘injured’ Jack Draper at 2023 Australian Open

Rafael Nadal secured his position in the second round after beating Jack Draper in the first round of the 2023 Australian Open. However, many social media users think that if not for cramps and injury with the Brit, the Spaniard could have lost.

“He should be fined if not suspended”- Fans slam Rafael Nadal for competing against an ‘injured’ Jack Draper at 2023 Australian Open

Rafael Nadal and Jack Draper (Image Credit: NDTV Sports)

Rafael Nadal starts his campaign at the 2023 Australian Open with a victory, as he Jack Draper in the first round of the tournament. This is also his first victory this season. All these were on expected lines. However, what was not expected was the kind of hard work, the Spaniard had to put into the very first match as defending champion here.

Every tennis fan believed that defeating the 21-year-old would be smooth sailing for the top seed. However, he managed to defeat World No.38 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in what was a tough encounter that went on for almost four hours and four sets.

YouTube video

Australian Open declared the results of the match on social media. It also gave an interesting stat regarding Rafael Nadal’s victory.

Rafael Nadal registered his career’s 77th win in Melbourne, Australia. He will take on World No.65 Mackenzie McDonald in his second-round fixture of the competition.

Related: Chair umpire ‘Denies’ Rafael Nadal’s privileged request for towels being brought to him by ball boys

Social media users believe Jack Draper could have won against Rafael Nadal

Jack Draper and Rafael Nadal (Image Credit: The Daily Express)
Jack Draper and Rafael Nadal (Image Credit: The Daily Express)

Rafael Nadal is chasing his career’s third Australian Open title. He won his first title here in 2009 and since then has reached into the finals five times and won once. He defeated Daniil Medvedev in the Championship match of the Australian Open 2022. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is playing in the Australian Open 2023 as defending champion.

But the kind of problems Jack Draper posed for him in the first round of the competition can be read as warning bells for the former World No.1. The competition levels will only be going to increase from here. But for now, he can enjoy his victory.

However, social media is divided on whether this was a worthy win for Rafael Nadal or if Jack Draper deserved it more. Many believe that the British player had put the World No. 2 in a quagmire, and just because he had cramps, the 36-year-old could win this one. Many tennis fans are also applauding the British player for his brave fight against the Spanish onslaught. Here are a few reactions that came in.

https://twitter.com/srades23/status/1614890011966439425?s=12&t=vzXWF7riAYx0nwUvIFPLZQ

Rafael Nadal is also struggling with his fitness from the past season. However, he has not given up and continues to work on his season despite a terrible start to the season. But he needs to work harder to be able to beat the competition and win the trophy this time.

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