Rafael Nadal’s 2023 Australian Open adventures came to an end in the second round of the competition, where the reigning champion was knocked out by Mackenzie McDonald (ATP No. 65) in three sets 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

Rafael Nadal was eliminated from the Australian Open Championship – the Iberian ended the match in one leg

While in rather poor form (only one win this season), Nadal also suffered an injury to his left leg, which noticeably affected his movement on the court.

Actually, the ex-ATP leader wanted to finish the match, although he almost finished it in one leg.

However, don’t discount McKenzie, who played aggressive, accurate and inspired tennis even before Rafa’s injury in the second set (when he also had a medical time-out).

The American had a good tactical plan, and the victory can be considered a surprise given that Macdonald eliminated the main favorite. The game at Rod Laver Arena lasted two hours and 32 minutes.

However, even before the start of the Australian Open 2023, it was known that the Iberian lacked game rhythm and that the long absence from the field in the second part of last season left deep traces.

With 22 Grand Slam titles won (the last at Roland Garros last year), Nadal (still) leads the rankings, but Novak Djokovic (the main favorite of the experts at the Australian Open) is behind.