Rafael Nadal stunned at Australian Open after straight-sets defeat to Mackenzie McDonald

Defending champion hampered by fitness issues in 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 loss to world No 65 American

Rafael Nadal and Mackenzie McDonald greet at the net following their second round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia on January 18, 2023. AP

Rafael Nadal sits in his chair between changeovers during his second round match against Mackenzie McDonald. AP

Rafael Nadal applauds the fans after defeat to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open. AFP

Rafael Nadal leaves the court after defeat to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open. AFP

Rafael Nadal bends over injured during his match against Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open. EPA

Rafael Nadal medical treatment during his match against Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open. EPA

Rafael Nadal during his second round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Ope. AP

Mackenzie McDonald celebrates winning a point against Rafael Nadal. AFP

Mackenzie Mcdonald plays a forehand to Rafael Nadal. Reuters

Rafael Nadal plays a backhand volley to Mackenzie McDonald. EPA

Rafael Nadal receives medical attention after sustaining an injury during his second round match against Mackenzie Mcdonald. Reuters

Rafael Nadal walks back onto the court after medial time out during his second round match against Mackenzie McDonald. AP

Rafael Nadal walks off the court to receive medical attention after sustaining an injury. Reuters

Mackenzie McDonald hits a return against Rafael Nadal. AFP

Defending champion Rafael Nadal was sent crashing out of the Australian Open in the second round on Wednesday after falling to a straight-sets defeat to American Mackenzie McDonald.

Nadal, who won his second Australian Open title last year, was way off his best inside Rod Laver Arena and appeared to be hampered by physical issues as the match wore on as world No 65 McDonald claimed the biggest win of his career with a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 victory.

Nadal appeared to suffer a strain in his left hip area while running for a backhand in the second set and after attention from a trainer, took an off-court medical time-out when trailing 6-4 5-3.

He returned grim faced to play out the match but his movement was clearly affected, particularly on his backhand side, paving the way for McDonald to end the Spaniard's bid for a third title at Melbourne Park.

Before the injury McDonald had played superbly to take the first set, going toe-to-toe with the 36-year-old Spaniard and winning most of the ferocious baseline exchanges.

"He's an incredible champion, he's never going to give up regardless of the situation so even closing it out against a top guy like that is always tough," said McDonald.

"I was trying to stay so focused on what I was doing and he kind of got me out of that with what he was doing. But I kind of just kept focusing on myself and got through.

"Last time I played him was at Chatrier, he kicked my butt," said McDonald, who took only four games off Nadal in the second round of the French Open in 2020.

"It's tough to hit through on clay but I liked my chances on hard, I really wanted to take it to him on hard court. I'm really glad I got my chance and got away with it."

After Nadal's time-out, he returned to court to a big ovation and earned another round of applause when he held serve.

His gloomy expression told the story, though, and he declined to retrieve a drop-shot in the next game, shaking his head at his worried entourage.

McKenzie took the second set when Nadal whacked a forehand into the net, and the Spaniard thudded his racket into his chair at the change of ends.

Leaning heavily on serve and relying on touch, Nadal dragged McDonald deep into the third set but was finally broken to 6-5 when the American bolted forward to flick a passing shot past him.

Nadal attacked the net in a desperate last stand but there was to be no repeat of the "Miracle of Melbourne", when he came back from two sets down in last year's classic final to beat Daniil Medvedev.