<p>Defending champion Rafael Nadal battled past a man 15 years his junior and kickstart his bid for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open Monday.</p>

<p>The Spanish top seed unleashed some of his trademark hammer forehands, but also 46 unforced errors, before wearing down Briton Jack Draper 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in blistering heat on Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>It put him into the second round for the 17th time and stretched his win-loss record at Melbourne Park to 77-15.</p>

<p>He will next play Mackenzie Mcdonald, who beat fellow American Brandon Nakashima in a five-set thriller.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Super happy to be back here in Australia one more time. It's like the 19th season in the professional tour so very excited about this new beginning," he said.</p>

<p>"It's a victory I needed. I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round. He's young, he has the power and I think he has a great future in front of him."</p>

<p>But it was a tough slog for the 36-year-old who had lost six of his past seven matches, including his opening two this year.</p>

<p>Little separated them in a first set notable for a bizarre incident in which Nadal complained one his of racquets had gone missing.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-puzzled-rafael-nadal-looks-for-his-racquet-after-the-ballboy-nicks-it-553035"><strong>WATCH | Puzzled Rafael Nadal looks for his racquet after the ballboy nicks it</strong></a></p>

<p>He kept his cool and waited for his chance, which came at 6-5 on Draper's serve when he earned a set point and converted with a searing cross-court winner.</p>

<p>But Nadal lost focus in the second set as Draper raised his game and raced to a 4-0 lead before sealing the set.</p>

<p>The Spaniard regrouped and broke early in the third set to move 4-1 in front, winning the long rallies.</p>

<p>Draper needed repeated treatment on his upper right leg, but against the odds broke back before Nadal again stepped up.</p>

<p>Draper was clearly struggling, grimacing in pain at times, and Nadal showed no mercy to race through the fourth set to victory.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tennis-legend-boris-becker-set-to-make-commentary-return-for-the-australian-open-549364"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Tennis legend Boris Becker set to make commentary return for the Australian Open</strong></a></p>

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<p>Nadal created history on the same court last year with his five-set victory over Daniil Medvedev in the final.</p>

<p>It saw him claim ownership of the record for most Grand Slam men's singles titles on 21 ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added a 22nd at Roland Garros, while Djokovic won Wimbledon to move onto 21.</p>

<p>Nadal's 2022 run in Melbourne came in the absence of nine-time champion Djokovic, who is back this year and begins his campaign on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Defending champion Rafael Nadal battled past a man 15 years his junior and kickstart his bid for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open Monday.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal battled past a man 15 years his junior and kickstart his bid for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open Monday. The Spanish top seed unleashed some of his trademark hammer forehands, but also 46 unforced errors, before wearing down Briton Jack Draper 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in blistering heat on Rod Laver Arena. It put him into the second round for the 17th time and stretched his win-loss record at Melbourne Park to 77-15. He will next play Mackenzie Mcdonald, who beat fellow American Brandon Nakashima in a five-set thriller. "Super happy to be back here in Australia one more time. It's like the 19th season in the professional tour so very excited about this new beginning," he said. "It's a victory I needed. I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round. He's young, he has the power and I think he has a great future in front of him." But it was a tough slog for the 36-year-old who had lost six of his past seven matches, including his opening two this year. Little separated them in a first set notable for a bizarre incident in which Nadal complained one his of racquets had gone missing. WATCH | Puzzled Rafael Nadal looks for his racquet after the ballboy nicks it He kept his cool and waited for his chance, which came at 6-5 on Draper's serve when he earned a set point and converted with a searing cross-court winner. But Nadal lost focus in the second set as Draper raised his game and raced to a 4-0 lead before sealing the set. The Spaniard regrouped and broke early in the third set to move 4-1 in front, winning the long rallies. Draper needed repeated treatment on his upper right leg, but against the odds broke back before Nadal again stepped up. Draper was clearly struggling, grimacing in pain at times, and Nadal showed no mercy to race through the fourth set to victory. WATCH | Tennis legend Boris Becker set to make commentary return for the Australian Open × Nadal created history on the same court last year with his five-set victory over Daniil Medvedev in the final. It saw him claim ownership of the record for most Grand Slam men's singles titles on 21 ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. He added a 22nd at Roland Garros, while Djokovic won Wimbledon to move onto 21. Nadal's 2022 run in Melbourne came in the absence of nine-time champion Djokovic, who is back this year and begins his campaign on Tuesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal overcomes Draper challenge in the opening round

<p>Norway's 23-year-old Casper Ruud was up against his idol Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open men's final on Sunday (June 05). Becoming the first-ever from his country to reach a Major final, Ruud had no answers against Nadal as the Spainard won the battle 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in straight sets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was a dominant display from Nadal. While he won the first set, 6-3, in no time, he was behind in the second set as Ruud led 3-1. However, the 36-year-old rose his game to bounce back and demolished his opposition in a jiffy to seal the finale and win his 14th French Open trophy, also claiming his 22nd Grand Slam title overall.</p>

<p>After the proceedings, Ruud lavished huge praise on Nadal and revealed how not to play against him on clay courts. "Well, I wish I knew the answers too, but I got a cheap break of serve I think in the second set and was up 3-1, and of course wanted to get the match going and maybe try to win the set," Ruud said in a post-match press conference.</p>

<p>"But then he stepped up and he showed that when he needs to he plays great. It was tough for me to really know where I should play the ball. When you are playing defensive against Rafa on clay, he will eat you alive," Ruud opined.</p>

<p>"I said before the match that I guess it is. But now I think I know it is. At least what I have faced. It's really challenging and really tough. But I already knew it in a way,"&nbsp;Ruud added, who&nbsp;has also trained at Rafael Nadal's academy.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/do-you-use-make-up-french-open-champion-iga-swiatek-responds-to-absurd-question-by-journalist-485474">'Do you use make up?' French Open champion Iga Swiatek responds to absurd question by journalist</a></strong></p>

<p>At 36, Nadal battled injury concerns to reach the summit clash at the Roland Garros and returned with the elusive trophy. After the finale, he opened up on his future and Wimbledon participation and said, "I am going to be in Wimbledon if my body is ready to be in Wimbledon. Wimbledon is not a tournament that I want to miss. Wimbledon is a priority, always has been a priority. If I'm able to play with anti-inflammatories yes. To play with anaesthetic injections, I do not want to put myself in that position again. It can happen once but no it's not the philosophy of life I want to follow. Let's see. I am always a positive guy and always expect the things are going the right way. Let's be confident, let's be positive and let's see what's going on," Nadal stated.</p>


Norway's 23-year-old Casper Ruud was up against his idol Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open men's final on Sunday (June 05). Becoming the first-ever from his country to reach a Major final, Ruud had no answers against Nadal as the Spainard won the battle 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in straight sets.

Norway's 23-year-old Casper Ruud was up against his idol Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open men's final on Sunday (June 05). Becoming the first-ever from his country to reach a Major final, Ruud had no answers against Nadal as the Spainard won the battle 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in straight sets. It was a dominant display from Nadal. While he won the first set, 6-3, in no time, he was behind in the second set as Ruud led 3-1. However, the 36-year-old rose his game to bounce back and demolished his opposition in a jiffy to seal the finale and win his 14th French Open trophy, also claiming his 22nd Grand Slam title overall. After the proceedings, Ruud lavished huge praise on Nadal and revealed how not to play against him on clay courts. "Well, I wish I knew the answers too, but I got a cheap break of serve I think in the second set and was up 3-1, and of course wanted to get the match going and maybe try to win the set," Ruud said in a post-match press conference. "But then he stepped up and he showed that when he needs to he plays great. It was tough for me to really know where I should play the ball. When you are playing defensive against Rafa on clay, he will eat you alive," Ruud opined. "I said before the match that I guess it is. But now I think I know it is. At least what I have faced. It's really challenging and really tough. But I already knew it in a way," Ruud added, who has also trained at Rafael Nadal's academy. ALSO READ | 'Do you use make up?' French Open champion Iga Swiatek responds to absurd question by journalist At 36, Nadal battled injury concerns to reach the summit clash at the Roland Garros and returned with the elusive trophy. After the finale, he opened up on his future and Wimbledon participation and said, "I am going to be in Wimbledon if my body is ready to be in Wimbledon. Wimbledon is not a tournament that I want to miss. Wimbledon is a priority, always has been a priority. If I'm able to play with anti-inflammatories yes. To play with anaesthetic injections, I do not want to put myself in that position again. It can happen once but no it's not the philosophy of life I want to follow. Let's see. I am always a positive guy and always expect the things are going the right way. Let's be confident, let's be positive and let's see what's going on," Nadal stated.

'He'll eat you alive' - Casper Rudd on his experience of playing invincible Rafael Nadal in French Open final

<p>Rafael Nadal was absolutely unstoppable as he thrashed Norway's Casper Ruud in straights sets to win the French Open 2022 men's singles final in Paris on Sunday (June 05). Nadal has now won the French Open crown a record 14 times, a feat which has not been achieved by any male or female player in tennis history. He has also clinched a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title further enhancing his lead over arch-rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are both tied on 20 Grand Slams each.</p>

<p>Nadal was an overwhelming favourite heading into the summit clash against 23-year-old Ruud, who he had mentored during his early days at the famous Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. Rudd had admitted ahead of the final that he almost lost each time he came up against the Spaniard during practice matches at the academy.</p>

<p>It was nothing different at the&nbsp;Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris on Sunday as Nadal once again proved why he remains the King of Clay. Nadal extended his flawless record in the French Open finals to 14-0. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has never lost in a final at the Roland Garros throughout his illustrious career.</p>

<p>He has come up against some of the best in the business with the likes of Djokovic, Federer and Stan Wawrinka among others trying to stop him in a French Open final. However, the Spaniard has managed to outclass them all to create an unparalleled legacy at the Roland Garros.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All hail the King <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> <a href="https://t.co/jIOvOirGgN">pic.twitter.com/jIOvOirGgN</a></p>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1533474031407493120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-iga-swiatek-receives-standing-ovation-for-stay-strong-ukraine-message-after-french-open-win-485278">WATCH -&nbsp;Swiatek receives standing ovation for 'Stay strong Ukraine' message after French Open win</a></p>

<h3><strong>Rafael Nadal - Oldest men's champion in French Open history</strong></h3>

<p>Ahead of the much-awaited final, Nadal had no second thoughts in his mind when he was asked if he would give up a potential 22nd Grand Slam title for a new foot. The Spaniard, who has been dealing with a chronic injury in his left foot for quite a while now, said he would 'prefer to lose the final' against Ruud for a new foot as it would keep him happy for the rest of his life.</p>

<p>Despite battling a serious injury and in the final lap of his career, Nadal remains a force to reckon with on clay courts and has now become the oldest men's champion in French Open history by winning the title at the age of 36. 14 out of his 22 Grand Slams have come at the Roland Garros, showcasing his incredible dominance at the tournament.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The stage is yours again, <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> <a href="https://t.co/Nhp3e6wrwV">pic.twitter.com/Nhp3e6wrwV</a></p>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1533478438270640128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/casper-ruud-the-nadal-academy-trainee-up-against-his-mentor-in-french-open-showdown-485305">Casper Ruud - The Nadal Academy trainee up against his mentor in French Open showdown</a></p>

<p>Nadal dominated the proccedings from the word go in the final against Ruud and clinched the first set 6-3 inside 51 minutes before taking second set 6-3. He was trailing 3-1 in the second set after double faulting on break point but was quick to bounce back and get the better of Ruud, who was clearly struggling to battle his nerves in his very first meeting with Nadal so far in his career.</p>

<p>Ruud, the first man from his country to reach a Grand Slam final, was a no match for the tenacity of the Spaniard, who has known and dominated the competition so well over the years. Nadal was 19 when he won his first title at the Roland Garros in 2005 and 17 years later, he still remains untouchable in the competition.</p>

<p>In what is a testament to his longevity, Nadal has not only shown he can still be one of the best in the world despite carrying a serious niggle, but has also achieved several feats on his way to his 22nd Grand Slam title. 2022 is the firt time Nadal has won the Australian Open and French Open in the same year.</p>

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Rafael Nadal was absolutely unstoppable as he thrashed Norway's Casper Ruud in straights sets to win the French Open 2022 men's singles final in Paris on Sunday (June 05).

Rafael Nadal was absolutely unstoppable as he thrashed Norway's Casper Ruud in straights sets to win the French Open 2022 men's singles final in Paris on Sunday (June 05). Nadal has now won the French Open crown a record 14 times, a feat which has not been achieved by any male or female player in tennis history. He has also clinched a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title further enhancing his lead over arch-rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are both tied on 20 Grand Slams each. Nadal was an overwhelming favourite heading into the summit clash against 23-year-old Ruud, who he had mentored during his early days at the famous Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. Rudd had admitted ahead of the final that he almost lost each time he came up against the Spaniard during practice matches at the academy. It was nothing different at the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris on Sunday as Nadal once again proved why he remains the King of Clay. Nadal extended his flawless record in the French Open finals to 14-0. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has never lost in a final at the Roland Garros throughout his illustrious career. He has come up against some of the best in the business with the likes of Djokovic, Federer and Stan Wawrinka among others trying to stop him in a French Open final. However, the Spaniard has managed to outclass them all to create an unparalleled legacy at the Roland Garros. All hail the King #RolandGarros | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/jIOvOirGgN — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2022 × Also Read: WATCH - Swiatek receives standing ovation for 'Stay strong Ukraine' message after French Open win Rafael Nadal - Oldest men's champion in French Open history Ahead of the much-awaited final, Nadal had no second thoughts in his mind when he was asked if he would give up a potential 22nd Grand Slam title for a new foot. The Spaniard, who has been dealing with a chronic injury in his left foot for quite a while now, said he would 'prefer to lose the final' against Ruud for a new foot as it would keep him happy for the rest of his life. Despite battling a serious injury and in the final lap of his career, Nadal remains a force to reckon with on clay courts and has now become the oldest men's champion in French Open history by winning the title at the age of 36. 14 out of his 22 Grand Slams have come at the Roland Garros, showcasing his incredible dominance at the tournament. The stage is yours again, @RafaelNadal#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Nhp3e6wrwV — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2022 × Also Read: Casper Ruud - The Nadal Academy trainee up against his mentor in French Open showdown Nadal dominated the proccedings from the word go in the final against Ruud and clinched the first set 6-3 inside 51 minutes before taking second set 6-3. He was trailing 3-1 in the second set after double faulting on break point but was quick to bounce back and get the better of Ruud, who was clearly struggling to battle his nerves in his very first meeting with Nadal so far in his career. Ruud, the first man from his country to reach a Grand Slam final, was a no match for the tenacity of the Spaniard, who has known and dominated the competition so well over the years. Nadal was 19 when he won his first title at the Roland Garros in 2005 and 17 years later, he still remains untouchable in the competition. In what is a testament to his longevity, Nadal has not only shown he can still be one of the best in the world despite carrying a serious niggle, but has also achieved several feats on his way to his 22nd Grand Slam title. 2022 is the firt time Nadal has won the Australian Open and French Open in the same year.

Ruthless Rafael Nadal thrashes Casper Ruud to win 14th French Open crown, clinches 22nd Grand Slam title