Rafael Nadal ‘just keeps fighting’ say Mats Wilander and Tim Henman as Spaniard begins Australian Open title defence

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.

Having struggled at the United Cup earlier this month, there were questions about Nadal’s form but he is through to the next round on Wednesday.

“I think it’s the perfect start,” Wilander said on Eurosport’s Australian Open coverage.

“When you don’t have more wins than he’s had in the last few months, to have a little bit of rain, to have to sit down, then you have to start again, you’re 36 years old and starting and stopping at 36 is supposed to be really hard.

“But for him it seems it nearly helped him. He says the right things, and you’ve heard him say these things for so many years, but every time he says them like ‘oh my god, the guy’.

“I’ve been trying to study mindfulness, that’s what Nadal does, mindfulness. He’s there for every situation, he knows he’s going to be there for every situation, and he appreciates he’s there. He’s just such a great champion and such a great role model.”

Nadal has been very open that he will retire from tennis when his body or mind has “had enough” with increasing speculation about how long he will play for.

Tim Henman believes no matter what level Nadal is playing at, he is mentally always in the right place at Grand Slams.

“When he talks about how humble he is to find the solutions, the ups and downs of the matches he said he appreciates that’s going to happen,” said Henman.

“When he made mistakes he didn’t get frustrated, he just keeps fighting. He says ‘when I was up 2-1 in sets and 4-1 in games with two breaks, I’m getting quite close to the finish line’, it’s great.”

Nadal will play Mackenzie McDonald, who won a five-set thriller against compatriot Brandon Nakashima, on Wednesday.

Wilander suggested it could be an easier match for Nadal then his opening match against Draper.

“On paper maybe [it will be more comfortable], but Mackenzie McDonald is a good ball striker,” the seven-time Grand Slam champion added.

“He moves extremely well, and if Rafa is playing short against someone like McDonald, then you’re going to have a big 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.

“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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