Rafa Nadal will kick off his Australian Open title defence on Monday with a first round test against rising Briton Jack Draper as a new era begins on the blue hardcourts of Melbourne Park. At the first Grand Slam following Roger Federer's retirement and Serena Williams's "evolving away" from tennis, Spaniard Nadal carries the flame for the fading golden generation as he bids for a 23rd major title and third at Melbourne Park.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 16 2023

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