Rafael Nadal ‘not perfect’ but advances in Melbourne

GOOD START: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after defeating Jack Draper of Britain in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. Pic: AP Photo/Aaron Favila

Rafael Nadal considered his first-round victory over Jack Draper at the Australian Open a step in the right direction even if he did not play anywhere near his best.

The defending champion has been short on matches and wins since tearing his abdominal muscle at Wimbledon and went into the clash having lost six of his last seven clashes, the worst run of his career.