'Vulnerable' Nadal says Djokovic clear favourite at Australian Open

Melbourne, Jan 14, 2023 (AFP) -Defending champion Rafael Nadal admitted Saturday he felt vulnerable heading into the Australian Open after two straight defeats in the build-up and said that Novak Djokovic was clear favourite.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner crashed in his season-opening match at the mixed teams United Cup in Sydney to 12th-ranked Cameron Norrie and then again to Australia's Alex de Minaur.

Against the Australian, the Spaniard dropped six consecutive games after leading by a set and 1-0.

The 36-year-old top seed faces a testing first-round clash at Melbourne Park on Monday against emerging 21-year-old Briton Jack Draper, who reached the Adelaide semi-finals this week.

"Probably one of the toughest first rounds possible... young, powerful, growing very, very fast in the rankings, playing well," he said.

"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."

Nadal has lost six of his last seven matches stretching back to defeat to Frances Tiafoe in the last 16 at the US Open.

Asked if he felt vulnerable, the defending champion admitted: "Of course, without a doubt.

"I have been losing more than usual, that's part of the business. 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. But it's true that I have been losing more than usual."

Nadal, who recently became a father, swept past Russian Daniil Medvedev to win the Australian Open and a 21st Grand Slam title last year in an epic five-setter.

That victory came after arch-rival and nine-time Australian Open