Rafael Nadal ‘mentally destroyed’ as Australian Open defence ends in injury

INJURY BLOW: Rafael Nadal was hampered by injury in his Australian Open defeat. Pic: Dita Alangkara/AP

Rafael Nadal admitted he felt “mentally destroyed” after the defence of his Australian Open title ended in injury and defeat by American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round.

The top seed was already in trouble at a set and a break down to unseeded McDonald when he crouched down in obvious pain clutching his left hip after chasing out wide for a forehand.