Tag: draper
Rafa Nadal feels vulnerable in Oz Open first round against Brit Jack Draper
RAFA NADAL admits he feels vulnerable heading into his Australian Open first-round clash with young Brit Jack Draper.
The Spaniard superstar, 36, produced a Miracle in Melbourne when he came from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller in the 2022 Oz Open final.
Rafa Nadal lavished praise on Australian Open opponent Jack Draper[/caption]
But he comes into this year’s event off the back two straight losses at the United Cup in Sydney – the first to Cameron Norrie, the next to Alex de Minaur.
Top seeds always feel the most nervous in the opening round of a Slam and outsider Draper, 21, will hope he can surprise the 21-time Slam champion on Monday afternoon on the Rod Laver Arena.
Draper, who is ranked 40th in the world, may not have a major scalp on his CV but his lefty serve is a tremendous weapon and he famously took the first set off Novak Djokovic in their Centre Court meeting at Wimbledon 2021.
Asked if felt vulnerable at all at the start of a major tournament, Nadal replied: “Yeah, of course. Yeah, without a doubt.
“I’ve been losing more than usual, so that’s part of the business.
Jack Draper has had an excellent rise up the rankings throughout 2022[/caption]
“Just accept the situation. I think I’m humble enough to accept that situation and just work with what I have.
“I need to build again all this momentum. I need to build again this confidence with myself with victories. But it’s true that I’ve been losing more than usual.
“Of course, we can talk about things that happened last year, all the situations that I had faced. But the real thing is I have been losing more than usual.
“I already have been here for three weeks, practicing every day with that conditions, with the best players. That helps a lot in general terms.
“I don’t know what can happen on Monday but my personal feeling, without a doubt, is better now than three weeks ago, in general terms.
“Jack is probably one of the toughest first-round opponents. Young, powerful, growing very, very fast on the ranking, playing well.
Draper was beaten by Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2021 but did take the first set off the Serbian[/caption]
“Probably, yeah, 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.
“I hope to be ready to fight for that first round and let’s see what can happen.
“I still hope that I can play a good Australian Open. But you don’t know what can happen.”
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Kate Garraway details ‘frustrating’ reality of caring for her husband Derek Draper in a candid post
Kate Garraway shares heartbreaking update on husband Derek Draper
KATE Garraway shared a heartbreaking update on husband Derek Draper’s health following his devastasting Covid battle.
The star revealed her agony after Derek suffered a “frightening” turn for the worse in recent weeks and was left “fighting for his life”.
Devoted Kate, 55, has said this afternoon: “Thank you so so much for all your messages of support – they really do mean the world to me & the whole family.
“I have taken some time off @gmb @smoothradio & @garrawaysgoodatuff in the last 3 weeks as Derek’s health took an unexpected & frightening turn for the worse that landed him back in intensive care & fighting for his life – again.”
Kate said Derek, 54, had now stabilised and she would continue her duties on Good Morning Britain and Smooth Radio next week.
“Thanks to the extraordinary nhs teams & his own amazing life force & spirit Derek -please god – is back on the right side of it now and Im so looking forward to seeing you all back on @gmb from 6 a.m tomorrow & @smoothradio,” she said.
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“Hopefully celebrating @lionesses #worldcup win! Love & see you in the morning!”
Kate’s friends and fans rallied around her, with one writing: “Sending you and your family positive thoughts and love. It’s the news everyone wanted to hear. ”
Someone else echoed: “This is great news all round thinking of you all xxx”
The Sun revealed Derek had taken a “very serious turn” which forced Kate to step back from hosting GMB.
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He has suffered devastating health problems after contracting Covid at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Kate has tirelessly juggled caring for him while working her TV and radio jobs, as well as raising their two children, Darcey, 16, and Billy, 12.
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The Sun revealed he’d been readmitted for specialist care after a setback in his recovery, according to those close to Kate’s family.
A Good Morning Britain spokesman told The Sun: “Kate is taking some time off work over the next few days, and is hoping to be back to her normal presenting duties as soon as possible.”