MEN’S singles defending champion Rafael Nadal has crashed out of the 2023 Australian Open, the 22-time Grand Slam winner struggling with a left hip injury in a straight-sets defeat to Mackenzie McDonald today at the Rod Laver Arena.
The American defeated the clearly compromised top seed 6-4 6-4 7-5 to reach the third round.
Nadal, a two-time champion at Melbourne Park, was given a standing ovation as he walked out of the Rod Laver Arena.
Also today, sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime survived a huge scare to come back from 0-2 down in sets to beat Alex Molcan 3-6 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2 and reach the third round.
Frances Tiafoe also progressed to the third round of the tournament for the first time since his 2019 quarter-final run after a strong 6-4 6-4 6-1 win against Juncheng Shang.
The American improved to seven straight wins in the year with the victory.
Earlier in the day, Jannik Sinner became the first player into the men’s singles third round with a straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 won over Tomas Etcheverry.
In women’s singles, Iga Swiatek eased into the third round, dismissing Colombian Camila Osorio under a closed Rod Laver Arena roof.
The Pole admitted a fresh music playlist was just the change in routine she needed after she closed out a 6-2 6-3 victory in 84 minutes.
Tenth seed Madison Keys looked in beating Wang Xinyu 6-3 6-2 to reach the 3rd round and continue her brilliant start to 2023.
Maria Sakkari dug deep to edge qualifier Diana Shnaider 3-6 7-5 6-3, while third seed Jessica Pegula cruised into the third round with a 6-2 7-6 (5) victory over Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
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