Mackenzie McDonald says injured Rafael Nadal “kept fighting” in Australian Open match

At the 2023 Australian Open, Mackenzie McDonald upset Rafael Nadal in the second round.

McDonald had spurts of brilliance, but Nadal was limited by a hip issue. American won 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

McDonald noted in his post-match press conference that Nadal never appeared to “roll over and quit” despite his physical struggles. He said that he needed to remain vigilant as Nadal fought to the end.

“Even with him, it’s never done until it’s finished,” Mackenzie McDonald said. “He wouldn’t even surrender. Despite his lack of game, he fought till the end. “But I would say one I broke him maybe in the third set at the finish there, it felt like he hadn’t really seen any chances on my serve in that set, so I believe I could have gone away with it there,” he continued.
McDonald noted Nadal’s different approach to the play. He thought the Spaniard was more aggressive and going for victories to conclude rallies early and conserve energy.

“He came out obviously with a distinct flair,” Mackenzie McDonald said. “He was more on the baseline trying for actually more on his serve and returns and actually hitting some wins too.” I don’t know the figures, but he seemed to have more aces and victories in the third set because he was going for it. However, he was lagging behind. I wondered, “said.

Mackenzie McDonald hopes to repeat his 2023 Australian Open upset of Rafael Nadal.
Mackenzie McDonald will attempt to build on his upset win over the 22-time Grand Slam winner, the defending champion and top seed at the Australian Open. The Spaniard’s withdrawal opened his draw region.

McDonald will play Japan’s 31st seed Yoshihito Nishioka or Czech qualifier Dalibor Svrcina, who are still playing their second-round matches. Karen Khachanov and Frances Tiafoe round out the section.