Rafael Nadal triumphs over error-plagued performances and cramping Jack Draper at the Australian Open.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal was far from his best in his opening-round victory over Jack Draper at the Australian Open, producing an error-filled performance.

Given Nadal's poor form, the draw had given 21-year-old rising British star Draper a blockbuster clash with his childhood idol on his debut at Melbourne Park, as well as an opportunity to really break through onto the world stage.

A run of six defeats in seven matches leading up to the year's first Grand Slam was the worst of his career, and a total of 45 unforced errors demonstrated that this was not Nadal at his best.

Draper appeared to be capable of pulling off an upset when he won the second set on Rod Laver Arena, but physical issues have hampered his career thus far, and he began to cramp in the third set before hobbling through the final stages of a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 defeat.

Draper imitated Nadal's appearance as a child, but he also modeled his game after him, including playing left-handed despite being naturally right-handed.

"We used to base a lot of our game development around Rafa," Draper's former coach Justin Sherring told the Daily Telegraph. We tried to imitate not only the lefty style, but also the technique, hunger, and fighting spirit."

Draper's heavy topspin forehand and solid backhand, hit predominantly cross-court but occasionally and explosively down the line, show the influence.