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Rafael Nadal
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MELBOURNE, AFP: Rafael Nadal launched his Australian Open title defence with a four-set victory over Britain’s Jack Draper on Monday, as home hope Nick Kyrgios quit through injury without hitting a ball.
In the women’s draw, top seed Iga Swiatek survived a tough examination while Jessica Pegula and teenage prodigy Coco Gauff were both emphatic winners on the first day of action.
Spanish great Nadal, 36, had been in poor form by his sky-high standards, losing six of his last seven matches stretching back to defeat in the last 16 at the US Open.
Nadal, who recently became a father, faces American Mackenzie McDonald in round two.
Nadal was on court when Australia’s talented but temperamental Kyrgios called a hastily arranged press conference and announced that he was out of the tournament with a knee injury.
“I’m devastated, obviously,” said the Wimbledon finalist, who was considered an outside bet to win a maiden Grand Slam crown.
