The rising British talent is getting another chance to open a grand slam tournament against a defending champion and top seed
, Draper was 19 years old and ranked 253, a wildcard entrant gaining a brief glimpse into the top level of professional tennis even as he was defeated in four sets. Today, he is firmly embedded inside the top 50 and hungry for a breakthrough. He will play to win.
“Without them I wouldn’t be the tennis player I am. So there’s that side of it where he is the 22-time grand slam champion, one of the greatest of all time, but at the same time he’s one of my competitors now and I need to block all that out and give it my all.” Nadal has watched a fair amount of the 21-year-old in recent months and he acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Probably one of the toughest first round [games] possible, being seeded,” said Nadal. “Young, powerful, growing very, very fast on the ranking, playing well. Probably a big challenge for me at the beginning to start the tournament. Let’s see. I’m here to just give myself a chance. I know he’s playing well. He has a lot of positive things, and probably a great career in front [of him].
“Without a doubt, no? I have been losing more than usual, so that’s part of the business,” said Nadal. “Just accept the situation. I think I am humble enough to accept that situation and just work with what I have today. I need to build again all this momentum. I need to build again this confidence with myself with victories.”
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