Mackenzie McDonald lifts the lid on the injuries that changed Rafael Nadal’s legacy

Rafael Nadal’s career was nothing short of remarkable, and there’s a strong case to be made that he was the greatest tennis player ever.

He finished his career with 92 ATP titles, including 22 Grand Slam wins that came on the sport’s biggest stages.

Nadal stayed competitive well into his late thirties, although injuries were a constant issue throughout much of his time on tour.

His 2023 season was heavily impacted by a hip injury, limiting him to just two events: the United Cup and the Australian Open.

At Melbourne Park that year, Nadal exited in the first round after losing in straight sets to Mackenzie McDonald.

How Rafael Nadal injured his hip at AO

During the third set against McDonald, Rafa strained his hip while stretching wide for a ball. Despite this moment and all else that has happened during his career, he remained competitive for another two years before hanging up his racquet in May of 2024.

The road back from injury wasn’t straightforward either. Rehab took longer than expected with several setbacks along the way.

Despite these challenges and taking up new opportunities outside tennis — like joining Formula 1 as an ambassador and getting involved in business ventures — Nadal still felt unfinished business on court kept him going through recovery.

Mackenzie McDonald reflects on his Australian Open win over Rafael Nadal

Nadal, who was carrying a hip injury at the time, lost 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 to the American. He came into the tournament as the top seed.

Afterwards, McDonald spoke about what it meant to him: “For me that was a big match, the biggest match of my career, beating Rafa at a Slam.

“I was playing some of the best tennis I’ve ever played that day and getting that win was special, but I knew he was hurting in the third set.

“I was absolutely ripping the ball. It was sad to see him go out that way. I felt like that was really the fall for him but in the moment I had to keep my composure.

“Because even defeating Nadal when he’s injured was a tough thing to do so I had to stay composed. It was sad to see.”

Mackenzie McDonald comments on post-match exchange with Rafael Nadal

When asked if Nadal had spoken to him after the match, McDonald replied: “Not much. He probably praised me on Instagram or whatever he wrote afterwards, something like kudos and that it was a great match.

“And I really thought I played a great match. Mixed feelings… it was sad to see one of our best champions get hurt against me.”

Nadal returned to the court at the 2024 Brisbane International, picking up two wins before reaching the quarterfinals.

He reached his first final in more than two years at Bastad but fell short against Nuno Borges.

Read more: