Tennis
Shocking elimination for Nadal in three sets by MacDonald
Shock elimination for Rafael Nadal in three sets (6: 4, 6: 4, 7: 5) by the American Mackenzie McDonald (No. 63), with the Spaniard losing so early at the Australian Open for the first time. He injured himself at the end of the second set and his wife burst into tears.
Once again in his career, at another Grand Slam, Rafael Nadal (No. 1) says goodbye to the tournament. The Australian Open champion was beaten in three sets by world No. 63 Mackenzie MacDonald.
The 27-year-old American played an excellent game in the first two sets and managed to keep his composure in the difficult moments of the 3rd and most importantly managed to manage his opponent’s incapacitation and claim the biggest win of his career 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 about the Spanish legend.
Nadal injured his upper left leg in the second set and called the match doctor while trailing 6-4, 5-3. A medical timeout ensued and as soon as he came back, MacDonald finished the 2nd set 6-4.
The image of the 36-year-old from Mallorca in the third set was more than worrying, but he didn’t want to give up and stayed on the pitch, fighting for the miracle.
Finally, after 2 hours and 30 minutes of competition at the Rod Laver Arena, the 27-year-old American completed his big win and booked his ticket to the 3rd round of the event, where he awaits one of Nishioka – Svritsina.
“I’m really happy about the first two sets. I played very well. It was also difficult to deal with those emotions in the 3rd set. Rafa is an incredible champion.
Regardless of his injury, he was in the 3rd set. He found a rhythm on his serve. I finally managed to find the solution and I’m happy about it.” McDonald said in his on-court interview.
At the time of his injury His team was upset, especially his wife Mary, who couldn’t hold back her tears over Rafa’s unfortunate moment.
Source: tennis24
Source: sport 24
