Top-Seeded Rafael Nadal Faces Defeat at the Australian Open due to an Injury

The American Mackenzie McDonald, who has never made it into the top 40 in the world rankings, defeated 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the second round.

Mackenzie McDonald of the USA defeated Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 to progress to the third round. The biggest victory of McDonald’s career came against Nadal, the top seed in the opening Grand Slam of this year. Before Nadal’s injury, the American played with great poise and accuracy. After that, his play became more casual. Nadal’s performance against the 65th-ranked American was his “worst Grand Slam result” in seven years.

The 36-year-old took a break while he struggled with what seemed to be a hip problem. After a brief rest, he resumed but was unable to maintain the same pace.

People’s response to his defeat 

“He’s in absolute disbelief of what just happened,” Jim Courier mentioned during the commentary, he mentioned that Rafael Nadal had taken a medical break during the second set.  “There is nothing in the swing in this backhand which was a beautiful winner that would have indicated there was a problem but there certainly is.”

Even Maria Francisca Perello, Nadal’s wife, broke down in tears as she saw her husband struggle.

When reflecting on his victory, the winner McDonald said: “It was pretty tough to stay mentally engaged but I found a way to just pull it out. He’s an incredible champion, he’s never going to give up regardless of the situation. I was trying to stay focused on what I was trying to do and he kind of got me out of my rhythm, and I just got through it.”

Earlier, Rafael Nadal defeated Jack Draper in the first round in a grueling four-set match, committing several unforced errors even as Draper started getting cramps. Nadal had hoped to perform better in the second round, but he appeared even worse.

Nadal struggled from the start, producing an error-filled service game, which McDonald took advantage of by serving incredibly well. With his movement, the Americans dissipated the pressure while continuing to attack the Spaniards. He ultimately earned a well-deserved victory.

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