Responsible for the big surprise this Wednesday at the Australian Open, the American Mackenzie McDonald won his biggest career victory by beating the Spaniard Rafael Nadal by 3 sets to 0 in the second round of the tournament. This was only the second time he has topped a top 5.
McDonald had lost nine of their 10 previous top-5 encounters, his biggest triumph yet over world number 4 Juan Martin del Potro, beating the Argentine in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 Delray Beach in 2019.
“I was playing very well at the beginning, serving and returning very well. In the third set it was a little more difficult to deal with the situation. He is an incredible champion, he never gives up and he was tough the whole time. I had to focus more on myself”, commented the North American in the on-court interview, right after beating the number 2 in the world.
"I kind of just kept focusing on myself at the end and got through."
What a performance from @mackiemacster 👏#AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/vLNPXZEHoh
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2023
“I think I have more weapons to beat him on hard courts than on clay and today I managed to put my chances on the court”, added McDonald, remembering the defeat suffered in the only duel he had fought with Nadal, three years ago at Roland Garros.
The American, who is Marcelo Melo’s doubles partner, now sees the key open and tries to surpass his best campaign in Grand Slam, having twice reached the round of 16 “I have to remain focused on myself, study my opponent and rest for the next match. So let’s see what I can do”, said the 27-year-old tennis player, currently number 65 in the world.
USA ❤️ 🇺🇸@mackiemacster • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/FgayFpvciD
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2023
