Melbourne/IBNS: Spanish Tennis star Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the Australian Open due to an injury.
He failed to defend the title as he lost 4-6 4-6 5-7 against American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the tournament.
The Spanish Tennis player continued to struggle with a left hip injury throughout the match.
He even needed treatment during the clash.
He, however, completed the match.
Nadal, who is a two-time champion at Melbourne Park, received a standing ovation as he exited Rod Laver Arena.
“I’m really happy with how I started that match, I thought I was playing really well, serving great, returning well too. I was really taking it to him,” Rafael’s opponent, who had an edge on Nadal even before the Spaniard got hurt, told the Australian Open website.
“I hate that for him,” McDonald added, referencing the Spaniard’s injury.
“It’s actually hard to stay mentally engaged there – I found a way to mentally pull it out, so I’m happy,” he said.
