Nadal vs McDonald: Rafael Nadal, the reigning Defending Champion of the Australian Open, was eliminated from the tournament in 2023 after losing to Mackenzie McDonald in consecutive sets on Wednesday at Rod Laver Arena while struggling with a left hip ailment. Nadal is a 22-time Grand Slam Champion. To advance to the 3rd round, the American overcame the Defending Champion, who was obviously vulnerable, 6-4/ 6-4/ 7-5.
The scenario was already set up for a probable shocker prior to Nadal’s setback. The 36-year-old Spanish got off to an exceptionally sluggish beginning in the 2023 campaign, losing shockingly at United Cup to Cam Norrie and Alex de Minaur.
Nadal vs McDonald: Mackenzie McDonald was full of aggression throughout
Nadal vs McDonald: The well-liked lefty occasionally appeared far from his finest, despite defeating Jack Draper in 4 sets at Melbourne Park. In contrast, McDonald has been making progress; he defeated Dan Evans the previous week in Adelaide and, has the benefit of age. After a lengthy 4-hour opening round court battle, McDonald stormed out the fire, with no indication of exhaustion.
McDonald exploited Nadal’s shorter returns with scorching, flattened shots that produced a spate of faults off Nadal’s racquet, and even on set point.
Nadal’s retaliation failed against the storming Mackenzie
Nadal vs McDonald: As the two battled powerful groundstrokes that brought screams of delight from the Rod Laver Arena fans, Nadal was penalized for his short returns. Nadal was nowhere near at his greatest throughout his tough 4-set victory over Jack Draper in the opening match. His technique still littered with unforced errors especially as Draper started to strain. But Nadal had believed that the accomplishment of having won itself would be a substantial advance.
In the 2nd set, the confident American got off to the same start as the first during the Nadal vs McDonald contest. Playing flawless defense throughout an amazing 24-stroke rally in the initial game to shatter the Spaniard. Never underestimate Nadal though, as Nadal erased McDonald’s lead and leveled the score at 2-2 only moments after surviving a break point that might have plunged him onto a 0-3 deficit.
Nadal vs McDonald: Mackenzie McDonald was persistent and Nadal’s injury gave him a breakthrough
Nadal vs McDonald: While chasing a forehand around the line, McDonald‘s persistent effort gave him a break. Which he then converted for a 5-3 lead. However, Nadal suffered a left hip injury during that match and had to leave the arena to receive treatment. McDonald focused on winning the 2nd set without becoming sidetracked by what was happening on his opponent’s side of the net.
Although Nadal’s mobility was obviously limited, he maintained his composure in the 3rd set during the Nadal vs McDonald encounter. But at 5-5, the American ultimately took advantage of a chance to defeat his injured opponent. Who had been shooting aces to fend off break opportunities virtually the whole match.
Nadal vs McDonald: Nadal’s hip injury deviated him from the victory
Nadal vs McDonald: When faced with a deciding set while serving, McDonald resisted earning his 2nd top career victory after 11 tries. Rafael Nadal only had 6 aces, compared to McDonald’s 14, so he was happy with his performance. McDonald’s long pondered whether a spirited court confrontation would yield a dramatic outcome during Nadal vs McDonald game. After having given a 6-1/ 6-0/ 6-3 crushing defeat by the Spaniard at Roland Garros in 2020.
Although Nadal set a new milestone for men in 2022. By capturing his 22nd grand slam trophy at the French Open. He still endures a steady wave of ailments despite his amazing accomplishments in the year.
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