MELBOURNE—Defending champion Rafa Nadal dropped a set but prevailed in a battle of fitness against rising talent Jack Draper to reach the second round of the Australian Open on Monday with an unconvincing 7–5 2–6 6–4 6–1 win.
Fellow lefthander Draper played superbly to level the match at a set all on a warm and humid afternoon at Rod Laver Arena but the 21-year-old Briton was soon overwhelmed by cramping and bowed out groaning in pain.
