Rafael Nadal Australian Open 2023: The first Grand Slam Australian Open 2023 of the year has seen a major upheaval. This vicissitude happened with world number-2 tennis player Rafael Nadal, which was also very disappointing for his fans. Nadal is out after losing in the second round itself.
The 37-year-old Spanish star Nadal was defeated by Mackenzie Macdonald of America. The great thing is that 27-year-old McKenzie is currently at number 65 in the ATP World Rankings. While Spanish star Nadal is number-2 player.
Match between McKenzie-Nadal lasted 2 hours and 32 minutes
Nadal also holds the record for winning the most 22 singles Grand Slam titles. In such a situation, this is a big blow for 36-year-old Nadal. The second round match between McKenzie and Nadal lasted for 2 hours and 32 minutes, in which McKenzie defeated Nadal in three consecutive sets 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
With this, Nadal’s dream of winning the 23rd Grand Slam title remained incomplete. In the first Grand Slam Australian Open 2023 of the year, Nadal was playing as the player of the first seed. While McKenzie was unseeded. Let us tell you that in the beginning of the match, Nadal had shown a great game and was seen in a good rhythm.
Mission accomplished for @mackiemacster
The impressive American has beaten Nadal 6-4 6-4 7-5. @wwos , @espn , @eurosport , @wowowtennis , #AusOpen , #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/fkaTpk11te
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2023
Nadal had to lose the match due to injury
But he got injured in the middle of the match and his rhythm deteriorated. Taking advantage of this, the American player caused the biggest upset of the tournament. In the match, Nadal had to deal with a back injury and also took a short break.
On returning after the break, Nadal could not play in his old rhythm and lost the match. This has been Nadal’s worst performance in the last 7 years in any Grand Slam tournament. He had won the Australian Open title only last year.