Injury-hit Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of grand slam in the second round against American Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets.
Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open title defense came to a premature end on Wednesday as he lost 4-6 4-6 5-7 against American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round. The 36-year-old Nadal struggled with a left hip injury throughout the match and needed treatment during the second set on Rod Laver Arena. He managed to finish the match, eventually going down to McDonald in two hours and 32 minutes for his earliest exit from a grand slam since the 2016 Australian Open.
The Spaniard was clearly struggling with his movement in the third set but nevertheless remained on serve until 5-5. But then McDonald gained the upper hand, securing the crucial break with a backhand passing shot as both players came to the net. He wrapped up the contest the next game when Nadal dropped a backhand return into the net to signal the biggest victory of the 27-year-old’s career.
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