Rafael Nadal lost to Mackenzie McDonald in the Australian Open second round. Rafa injured his left hip in the second set and revealed Grade 2 iliopsoas that will keep him away from the court for six or eight weeks. The Spaniard intended to play Doha and Dubai in February but will have to withdraw from both events.
Nadal has played only 13 matches after the last year’s Wimbledon, earning three wins and eight losses! The Spaniard wanted to add more points to his tally in February after knowing he would hardly defend 2000 points from the Australian Open.
With the latest injury, Nadal will stay away from the court at least until Indian Wells and most likely drop out from the top-10 for the first time since April 2005! Rafa came to Melbourne without any form, struggling with an injury for months and experiencing another at Rod Laver Arena against McDonald.
Rafael Nadal injured his left hip against Mackenzie McDonald in Melbourne.
The American toppled him 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 and delivered Nadal’s worst Major result since 2016. Rafa took down Jack Draper in the first round but was far from his A-game against McDonald even before the injury.
McDonald played at a high level and stayed focused against an injured rival to advance into the third round. The American produced five breaks from eight opportunities and lost serve only twice to move over the top in style.
Mackenzie played brave tennis and built the lead in the quickest rallies up to four strokes after keeping the points on his racquet. The lower-ranked player made a flying start and broke the defending champion in the opener’s games one and five for 4-1 in under 20 minutes.
Nadal reduced the deficit with a break in game six, and McDonald fended off a break point at 5-4 to bring the set home and gain momentum. The second set saw back-to-back breaks in the early stage, and Rafa squandered a game point at 3-3 to lose serve and push the rival in front.
The American landed an ace in the eighth game to confirm the advantage, and the Spaniard asked for a medical timeout on his left hip. Rafa left the court to receive the treatment and held in game nine to prolong the set despite an apparent struggle.
McDonald brought the set home after Nadal’s tired forehand at 5-4 to drive closer to the finish line. Rafa continued and gave his best in the third set despite struggling to move or hit a backhand. He fired an ace on a break point at 4-4 and held to stay in contention.
Mackenzie leveled the score at 5-5 and placed a backhand down the line winner in the next one to grab a decisive break. The American landed a service winner in game 12 to seal the deal and dethrone the Spaniard.
