Melbourne: Spanish Tennis star Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the Australian Open due to 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.
Im 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, Rafaels 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 Spaniards injury.
Its actually hard to stay mentally engaged there I found a way to mentally pull it out, so Im happy, he said.
