Eurosport experts Mats Wilander and Tim Henman continue to be impressed by Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard fended off Jack Draper in the first round of the Australian Open.

It was expected to be a difficult match for Nadal against rising star Draper, who pushed the defending champion in the opening two sets, before losing 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1.

Having struggled at the United Cup earlier this month, there were questions about Nadal’s form but he is through to the next round on Wednesday.

“I think it’s the perfect start,” Wilander said on Eurosport’s Australian Open coverage.

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Nadal has been very open that he will retire from tennis when his body or mind has “had enough” with increasing speculation about how long he will play for.

Tim Henman believes no matter what level Nadal is playing at, he is mentally always in the right place at Grand Slams.

Nadal will play Mackenzie McDonald, who won a five-set thriller against compatriot Brandon Nakashima, on Wednesday.

Wilander suggested it could be an easier match for Nadal than his opening match against Draper.