Today at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park, Australia World number 65 Mackenzie McDonald knocked out the top seed and the defending champion Rafael Nadal out of the Australian Open 2023 in the second round. The American played the match of his life as he beat the best tennis player ever Rafael Nadal in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
The match started with McDonald dominating the first set completely. Then, as soon as Rafa began to pick pace and momentum in the second set he suffered an injury. He even took a medical break in the second set as he was not able to run on the court due to a sudden disturbance in his legs. He showed bravery and courage and came out to play after quick treatment. In the third set, Rafa was leading Mackenzie 4-3 but the American made a great comeback in the third set to take it 7-5 and win the match.
The Australian Open has copped another major blow, with defending champion Rafael Nadal knocked out just three days into the tournament. He's the latest big name to exit, as organisers battle a Melbourne weather nightmare. https://t.co/dG43sqzfai @NickMcCallum7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/pbHJjIBf4p
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) January 18, 2023
Nadal who is the winner of 22 Grand Slams bowed out of this year’s Australian Open in the second round which indicates that he is now in the last stage of his tennis career. It is not certain that he will come back to Melbourne next year but we hope to see him back on the field soon at the next Grand Slam which will be his favorite Slam, French Open from May 28, 2023.
Mackenzie McDonald who was predicted to lose this match did the unthinkable and beat the reigning Australian champion. McDonald will be now high on confidence and will have the much-needed momentum with him. He will now play in the Third Round which is technically Round of 32 on 20th January 2023. We at Sportzcraazy wish Nadal a speedy recovery and Mackenzie luck for his future at the Australian Open 2023.
