Sports lovers are currently having a ball ever since the Australian Open 2023 kickstarted. The much-awaited Rafael Nadal vs Mackenzie McDonald at the 2023 Australian Open turned tense when the world number 2 lost his calm over the chair umpire for allegedly rushing him during his serve and keeping his towel far away from him. 'Spaniard' Nadal did not have the best of starts to his second-round clash against Mackenzie McDonald at the 2023 Australian Open, getting broken twice in the first set early on. However, more than his performance, it was the placement of towels on Rod Laver Arena that made Nadal angry. During his changeover after going 1-4 down, Nadal erupted at a female chair umpire, stating that the towels were too far away because of the huge dimensions of the show court.
Infuriated with the happenings, the 22-time Grand Slam champion snapped at the chair umpire. Notably, it affected how long Nadal had on the serve clock, which he pointed out always counted down before he could get through his service routine. The Mallorcan went on to throw shade at the umpire, claiming that she always did the same for his matches. Rafael Nadal angry video is now going viral on social media. The 2023 Australian Open Rafael Nadal angry video shows the former world number 1 screaming and complaining at the female umpire chair. Although the entire audio is not clearly audible, here's what Nadal said-
"Every time, I am in rush, even serving normal. Without the towel, every time, I see the clock at 5... 4..... With you it is always the same," Nadal said with disapproval. "It's okay. For you it doesn't matter. But I cannot take the towel every time. It is out there."
Rafa is NOT happy, grilling the umpire as he went down a double break 😡👀
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 18, 2023
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Rafael Nadal out of Australian Open 2023
An injured, Rafael Nadal turfed in the second round of his Australian Open title defence as American Mackenzie McDonald claimed the biggest win of his career in straight sets. McDonald won the match 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 and was leading before Nadal picked up the injury but that did not help the Spaniard. Nadal dropped the opening set courtesy of a high level from the American and his own sloppy start, where unforced errors flowed from the forehand wing in particular.
Nadal at Australian Open 2023
Rafael Nadal had an easy opening win at the 2023 Australian Open, beating Jack Draper in four sets. However, the Spaniard made it clear that he needed to "keep improving" in all facets of the game, stating that he was still in the process of getting back his rhythm after his recent abdomen injury.