(Melbourne) Rafael Nadal, defending champion but victim of hip pain, was eliminated in the second round of the Australian Open by the American Mackenzie McDonald (65e) 6-4, 6-4, 7-5, Wednesday in Melbourne.
“He is an incredible champion, who never gives up and even in these conditions he is difficult to beat,” McDonald commented on the man with 22 Grand Slam titles – a record that Serbian Novak Djokovic could match by winning the Australian Open.
In the second set, after a run, the 36-year-old Spaniard suddenly winced as he held his left 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.
Refusing to give up, the world number two resumed the game, but it had become almost impossible for him to move and he only held on as he could, taking all the risks on almost every shot in order to shorten the exchanges.
In the third set, he won his service games until, now limping, he yielded his face-off to allow McDonald to lead 6-5 and serve for the match.
He then left the Rod Laver court to a standing ovation from the audience, but obviously having difficulty walking.
In the first round, the Mallorcan won his first match of the season against Briton Jack Draper, after two defeats in the United Cup in early January.
His physique has been playing tricks on him for many months now.
Since arriving on the professional circuit in 2001, Nadal had so far only given up five Grand Slams, the last time at Wimbledon last year when he was forced to give up the half-time. final due to an abdominal tear.