Rafael Nadalworld number two and reigning champion Australian Opensaw his quest for a 23rd Grand Slam title end in the worst possible way, when he was eliminated in the second round of the first Major of 2023, in a match marred by an adductor injury felt in the final stretch of the second set, at a time when, despite being struggling, it seemed like he was trying to start a recovery.
The 36-year-old Spaniard, seeded first in Melbourne, chose not to give up, but ended up being soundly defeated by the American Mackenzie McDonald, number 65 ATP, for 6-4, 6-4 7-5, in 2 hours of match. After entering the match very badly and looking for a comeback midway through the second set, Nadal felt an injury early in the eighth game of the second set. He sought medical attention off the field at 4-6, 3-5, but was never able to race again, nor was he in condition.
Nadal still asked the coaching staff if he should leave, but he decided to keep looking for a sporting miracle that hasn’t arrived.
Though not ideally so, McDonald scores the biggest win of his career and advances to the third round in Melbourne, where he will face the winner of the Yoshihito Nishioka vs. Dalibor Svrcina bout.
GS Australian Open
R. Nadal [1]4
4
5
M. Mcdonald6
6
7
Vincitore: M. Mcdonald
