Australian Open 2023: After Nadal, Casper Ruud also has to face defeat in the second round

No. 2 seed Casper Ruud has fallen out of the race to exit the tournament as ATP leader, defeated in the second round of the Australian Open 2023 at the hands of Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(4), and 6- 2 at the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.

Also Read: Australian Open 2023: Defending champion Rafael Nadal out of the tournament after losing to Mackenzie McDonald

Another major upset has happened in the Australian Open 2023 for the second consecutive day. After defending champion Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud, who is considered to be the title contender, has also been eliminated from the tournament after losing in the second round. With Ruud's defeat, two strong contenders for the title ruled out from the tournament. Earlier, defending champion Rafael Nadal has lost in the second round. He was defeated in straight sets by Mackenzie McDonald of America, ranked 65th in the rankings. Despite his early exit from the tournament, the Norwegian will add 45 points. Although he missed the 2022 edition due to injury.

However, Ruud will not be able to complete the feat of becoming the new number one. The Serbian Novak Djokovic (4) together with the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas will be the only tennis players with a chance of doing so in the event that they lift the champion title.

With strokes on the run or slices from the ground to defend or winners both from the line and at the net, Jenson Brooksby closes a spectacular performance. He knocked out second-seeded Ruud and reach the third round of the Australian Open 2023. Brooksby did not lose his temper after letting as many as three match points slip during a third set that fell to the Norwegian's side.

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Ruud, a 24-year-old Norwegian, raced through the end of that set. But Brooksby righted himself in the fourth, jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Brooksby finished things off 1 hour, and 15 minutes after his first chance. His performance continued the run of strong play by men from the United States during Week 1. A significant development given that none has won a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open.