Thunderbolt in Melbourne with the elimination of Rafael Nadal, defending champion of the Australian Open.
His physique seemed to be improving. This Wednesday, January 18, Rafael Nadal yielded in three sets against the American Mackenzie McDonald, 65th player in the world (6-4, 6-4, 7-5). The Spaniard, never really up to speed, was overtaken by the American before injuring his thigh, leaving his opponent in control for good. Grimacing several times, Rafael Nadal was never able to regain the upper hand and did not play the last points. He will be ejected from the top 5 at the end of this Australian Open. “I don’t know if it’s muscular, if it affects the joint or if it’s cartilage,” he explained at a press conference. “I’ve had problems with this hip in the past. But not to this extent. Now I’m having trouble moving. We’ll know more after the tests. But I’m tired of talking about it. I I played this match, I lost it, period. I don’t know if I would have won without this problem. There will always be a question mark. But that’s how it is.”
Among the other results of the night, Laurent Lockoli finally lost his showdown in five sets against Michael Mmoh (4-6, 2-6, 7-6 [7], 6-4, 6-2) after a match was interrupted twice in the first round of the Australian Open and a match point. From qualifying, his opponent will find the German in the next round Alexander Zverev. Still in the men’s category, the disappointment came from Richard Gasquet, winner in Auckland a few days ago, but beaten by his compatriot Ugo Humbert in three sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. “I had a little trouble recovering from Auckland, it wasn’t easy. I was a little better today but it wasn’t enough. In addition, the court is fast and Ugo is complicated to play, with his left-handed game. Even if it means losing, I’m happy it’s against him, because I like him and I hope it will get him back as best as possible, because he’s a great player” said he launched in a press conference
On the other hand, it goes for Adrian Mannarino who beat John Isner in four sets (6-7 (5), 7-6 (8), 6-2, 6-2), in a match several times interrupted by rain. Among the women, Clara Burel was eliminated. The French was swept away by the Czech Barbora Krejcikova in the second round of the Australian Open. Quiet qualification on the other hand for the world number 1 Iga Swiatek and for the Greek Maria Sakkari despite losing the first round.