Defending champion Nadal out of Australian Open due to injury

Defending champion Rafa Nadal's Australian Open title defence lay in ruins after an injury-plagued defeat that shook up the men's draw. A wincing Nadal suffered a left hip problem and ultimately bowed out in a 6-4 6-4 7-5 defeat to American Mackenzie McDonald.

Defending champion Rafa Nadal is out of the second round of the Australian Open after suffering an injury during his 6-4 6-4 7-5 defeat by American Mackenzie McDonald. Credit: Reuters Photo

Nadal's elimination shakes up the men's draw and puts a twist in the Grand Slam titles race, with nine-times champion Novak Djokovic able to draw level with the Spaniard's 22 major championships should he take a 10th crown at Melbourne Park. Credit: AFP Photo

Nadal appeared to suffer a strain in his left hip area while running for a backhand deep in the second set at Rod Laver Arena and after receiving attention from a trainer he took an off-court medical time-out when trailing 6-4 5-3. Credit: AFP Photo

Nadal returned with grim faced to play out the match but his movement was clearly affected, particularly on his backhand side, paving the way for McDonald to end the Spaniard's bid for a third title at Melbourne Park. Credit: Reuters Photo

Before the injury McDonald had played superbly to take the first set, going toe-to-toe with the 36-year-old Spaniard and winning most of the ferocious baseline exchanges. Credit: AFP Photo

After Nadal's time-out, he returned to court to a big ovation and earned another round of applause when he held serve. Credit: AFP Photo

However, his gloomy expression told the story, though, and he declined to retrieve a drop-shot in the next game, shaking his head at his worried entourage. Credit: AFP Photo

Leaning heavily on serve and relying on touch, Nadal dragged McDonald deep into the third set but was finally broken to 6-5 when the American bolted forward to flick a passing shot past him. Credit: AP Photo