Who is Mackenzie McDonald? The American who beat Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open

Mackenzie McDonald has already caused one of the biggest upsets at this year’s Australian Open, defeating top seed and reigning men’s singles champion Rafael Nadal.

The unseeded American shocked the tennis world with his straight-sets victory and now moves on to the third round at Melbourne Park.

Here’s what you need to know about the 27-year-old’s tennis career thus far.

MORE: Rafael Nadal injury latest: Spanish legend shares recovery details

Mackenzie McDonald age, rank and career achievements

Whilst McDonald may not be a household name, he has already had a solid career after turning pro in 2016.

Currently 27 years old, the California native player has had to battle through injury spells and COVID-19 disruptions.

After strong performances at various Futures tournaments in 2017, he received the Oracle US Tennis Award alongside current women’s player Danielle Collins.

The right-hander then reached the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career in 2018, progressing to the fourth round at Wimbledon and making his debut in the top 100 of the ATP rankings.

Despite a blistering start to 2019, the American suffered a hamstring injury at the French Open, causing him to sit the remainder of the season out.

As COVID-19 arrived in 2020, McDonald struggled to return to form.

However, he picked himself back up by 2021, where he played at all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same calendar year for the first time, a feat he achieved again in 2022.

McDonald is currently ranked as the world No. 65 in men’s singles and world No. 84 in doubles.

Mackenzie McDonald background and college

Prior to making his professional debut, McDonald had a successful college tennis career.

He was listed by ITA as the No. 1 player prior to joining UCLA as a freshman in 2014.

Also known as ‘Mackie’, he remained a Bruin until 2016, winning the national singles championship and guiding them to the Pac-12 championship that same year.

He opted not to return for his senior year and turned professional later in 2016.

His first Grand Slam appearance came as a wildcard at the US Open that year, where he lost in the first round.

How did Mackenzie McDonald beat Rafael Nadal?

Entering the clash as a heavy underdog, McDonald battled against the odds to eliminate tennis legend Nadal in the second round of this year’s Australian Open.

Nadal was battling a leg injury throughout the match, but his lesser-favoured opponent took control from the get-go and got off to a quick start.

Whilst he went down in straight sets to McDonald, losing 6-4 6-4 7-5, the Spaniard acknowledged the American was playing impressive tennis even before he was hampered by injury.

“I don’t know if in good conditions I will win the match,” he said.

Nadal later confirmed he suffered a grade two lesion in the Iliacus Psoas of his left leg, which will see him spend six to eight weeks recovering.

Mackenzie McDonald Australian Open results and next match

Before his Nadal upset, McDonald had to navigate a tough opponent in fellow American Brandon Nakashima.

Up two sets, he went on to drop the next two before roaring back in the deciding set, recording an exhausting five-set victory.

He will next face Japanese player and No. 31 seed Yoshihito Nishioka in the third round.

That match is scheduled to begin on Friday, January 20 at 2:30 pm local time (Thursday, January 19, 10:30 pm EST).