Rafael Nadal crashes out of 2023 Australian Open: Details here
Rafael Nadal has bowed out of the 2023 Australian Open after suffering a second-round defeat by American Mackenzie McDonald. Defending champion Nadal struggled with an injury as he suffered a heartbreaking exit. The 36-year-old was trailing by a set when he pulled up with a supposedly hip problem. Nadal took a medical timeout at the end of the second set but ultimately lost.
Injury concerns surrounding Nadal
Number one seed Nadal was far from his best coming into the tournament. He lost seven of his last nine competitive matches, and there were major concerns regarding his fitness after an abdomen injury that troubled him through most of the second half of 2022. As per reports, Rafa will now slip to World No. 6 in the rankings.
Earliest exit for Nadal since 2016
Nadal lost 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 on Wednesday in the second round of the Australian Open. He suffered a defeat in two hours and 32 minutes. It is the earliest exit at a major for Nadal since he lost in the first round in 2016.
McDonald shares his views post victory
"It was actually pretty tough to stay mentally engaged a little bit there, but I found a way to just pull it out, so I'm happy," McDonald said. He added that Nadal is an incredible champion and is never going to give up easily.
Key stats and H2H record
Nadal served zero aces compared to his opponent's eight. Both players made one double fault each. McDonald converted 7/8 break points and had a 65% win on the first serve. Nadal and McDonad's H2H record reads as 1-1.
