Rafael Nadal, the defending champion, has been eliminated from the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal was knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round by American Mackenzie McDonald. Nadal fell to the American 6-4, 6-4, 7-5, adding to the Spanish great's early Grand Slam exits since winning his first major in 2005 at Roland Garros. The Spaniard's elimination adds a twist to the Grand Slam title race, with nine-time champion Novak Djokovic now clear to equal the Spaniard's 22 major titles if he wins a tenth crown at Melbourne Park. At Rod Laver Arena, the defending champion appeared to have strained his left hip when racing for a backhand late in the second set. After receiving treatment from a trainer, he had an off-court medical break while behind 6-4 5-3. The knock was clearly present when he came back, which made it simple for McDonald to end Nadal's quest for a third championship at Melbourne Park.