Defending champion Nadal knocked out of Australian Open - GulfToday

Defending champion Nadal knocked out of Australian Open

  • 18 Jan 2023
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Spain's Rafael Nadal looks dejected after losing his second round match against Mackenzie Mcdonald of the US. Reuters

Gulf Today Report

Defending champion and top seed Rafael Nadal crashed out of the Australian Open in round two to 65th-ranked American Mackenzie McDonald in a major upset Wednesday, his worst Grand Slam result in seven years.

The Spanish 36-year-old, who was struggling with what appeared to be a hip injury, slumped 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 under a closed roof on Rod Laver Arena.

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It was not immediately clear what was bothering the 35-year-old Spaniard, but he pulled up awkwardly at the end of a point late in the second set against the 65th-ranked McDonald.

The No. 1-seeded Nadal was visited by a trainer on the sideline, then left the court for a medical timeout. Up in the stands, his wife wiped away tears. Nadal returned to play, but was physically compromised and not his usual chase-every-ball self.

 

 

 

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