[ad_1]
Edited By: Vivek Ganapathy
Last Updated: January 18, 2023, 23:48 IST
Defending champion Rafael Nadal bowed out of the Australian Open 2023 in a second-round defeat to American Mackenzie McDonald.
The 36-year-old went right down to McDonald 4-6, 4-6, 5-7 in a three-setter on the Rod Laver Arena after battling what appeared to be a hip harm.
“Not the end result I needed, would have cherished to proceed my run right here, however right this moment it wasn’t attainable”, the 22-time grand slam-time champion said in a post on his social media handle.
The Spaniard also wished the best to the opponent who got the better of him going forward in Melbourne.
“Mackenzie @mackiemacster played at a great level and I wish him the best for the rest of the tournament.”
Despite his early exit, he expressed his appreciation for town of Melbourne and the followers who threw thier help behind the 14-time French Open winner.
“It’s at all times a pleasure to play in Australia. Many due to all for the help and the good moments you make me stay right here.”
Nadal has claimed the Melbourne Park title twice, in the years 2009 and 2022, but was shown the exit door in what was his worst showing in a grand slam in the past seven years.
“Sad for leaving soon this great tournament and very thankful once again to all, fans, organizers, and amazing crowds. Thanks, Melbourne, Australia”, he concluded.
Nadal’s early bow out makes 9-time Australia Open champion, Novak Djokovic, a transparent favorite to reclaim the title he was denied the chance to defend within the final version of the match, attributable to his non-vaccination stance in opposition to COVID-19.
The Serb cruised previous Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in straight units 6-3, 6-4, 6-Zero in his opening spherical of the Melbourne Park occasion.
The 35-year-old subsequent faces Frenchman Enzo Couacaud within the second spherical on the 19th of January.
Russian Daniil Medvedev received the higher of Australian John Millman and Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas breezed previous Rinky Hijikata, additionally of Australia, to arrange third-round clashes in opposition to Sebastian Korda and Tallon Griekspoor respectively.
Read all of the Latest Sports News right here
[ad_2]
Source hyperlink
