Defending Australian Open champion, Rafael Nadal has been bundled out of title contention. [Source: Australian Open/Twitter]
Defending Australian Open champion, Rafael Nadal has been bundled out of title contention.
This as he suffered a defeat in his second round match, losing 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to American McKenzie McDonald.
The 36-year-old was trailing by a set and a break when he pulled up with what appeared to be a hip problem.
Always a pleasure, @RafaelNadal 🫶#AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/CdnOMzYDK0
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2023
Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu has no doubts she can compete with the very best after pushing seventh seed Coco Gauff in a gallant defeat at the Australian Open.
The British number one rolled her ankle just 13 days before the second-round match, needing crutches and a protective boot afterwards.
Raducanu tested world number seven Gauff, one of the tournament favourites, and had two set points to take the match into a decider before losing 6-3 7-6 (7-4).
