Men's world number two Rafael Nadal was adamant on finishing the match against American Mackenzie McDonald rather than calling it quits.
The Spaniard at one point was seen grabbing at his hip.A gracious Rafael Nadal has refused to blame his shock loss to American Mackenzie McDonald all on injury as the legendary Spaniard's Australian Open title defence came to an abrupt end.
Even before the injury, Nadal was rattled by McDonald, who broke serve in the opening game of the match and was confidently outplaying the defending champion. After the loss, Nadal slowly walked off court and made extra time to acknowledge the crowd in what could be his final appearance at Melbourne Park.
He retired in the 2010 quarter-finals against Andy Murray with a knee injury and was badly hindered by a hamstring strain the following year in a last-eight loss to countryman David Ferrer.
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