Defending champion, Rafael Nadal (ATP 2) was eliminated in the second round of the Australian Open. Physically diminished at the end of the second set, the man with 22 Grand Slam trophies lost 6-4 6-4 7-5 to the American Mackenzie McDonald (65).
Rafael Nadal is therefore once once more betrayed by his body. The Mallorcan had thus given up defending his chances once morest Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals at Wimbledon last summer, due to an abdominal tear. And he was not in his best shape either during the last US Open, where he had fallen in the round of 16.
The 36-year-old Spaniard is not one to throw in the towel, especially in the prestigious setting of the Grand Slam tournaments. But he must have thought regarding doing it when he conceded the second set, a few minutes following injuring his left leg.
His wife in tears
Injured at the end of a race, Rafa suddenly grimaced while holding his hip. At the change of sides at 5-3 for his opponent, he called the physiotherapist on the court. Then, watched by his weeping wife and disillusioned coach Carlos Moya, he left the court to receive treatment.
Rafael Nadal resumed the match and held the shock on one leg in the 3rd round, shortening the exchange like never before once morest an opponent who was too “shy” in the circumstances. But Mackenzie McDonald was able to sign the decisive break in the eleventh game before finishing quietly on her serve.
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