Defending champion Rafael Nadal suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of 65-ranked American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the Men's singles Australian Open to crash out of the marquee tournament on Wednesday (January 18).
McDonald defeated the tennis giant in straight sets with a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 scoreline.
The 36-year-old Nadal took a medical timeout before going down to the rookie American. With his wife Maria Francisca Perello was seen crying in the stands in the Rod Laver Arena as the 22-time Grand Slam winner completed the match in pain against the American in front of a stunned crowd. McDonald is a 27-year-old American who won NCAA championships in singles and doubles for UCLA in 2016. He has never been past the fourth round at a major tournament.
Nadal appeared to be struggling with his left hip and leaned against the advertising hoardings in pain before leaving the court for treatment at 3-5 down in the second set.
Nadal won his second Australian Open title here last year after fearing his career was over because of a chronic foot injury. After claiming his male record 22nd Grand Slam title at the French Open, he pulled out of his Wimbledon semi-final with Nick Kyrgios with an abdominal strain.
Nadal's ouster has opened up the top half of the draw, it also hands Novak Djokovic a boost as the Serb hunts a 10th title at Melbourne Park to draw level with Nadal’s 22 major triumphs in the Grand Slam race.
“It has been like this a couple of days,” said Nadal of his injury.
“I have a history of hip issues. I’ve had to do treatments in the past but it was not this amount of a problem,” he added.
Meanwhile, McDonald was hugely impressive and had the better of the match before his veteran opponent broke down. Humiliated by Nadal at the same stage of the 2020 French Open, their only previous meeting, McDonald was glad to square the ledger.
“Last time I played him was at Chatrier, he kicked my butt,” said McDonald.
“He’s an incredible champion, he’s never going to give up regardless of the situation so even closing it out against a top guy like that is always tough,” he concluded.
