"Something to tell his grand kids one day" - Tiafoe thrilled for McDonald following the American's win over Nadal at the Australian Open

Frances Tiafoe is elated about his compatriot Mackenzie McDonald’s victory against Rafael Nadal at the 2023 Australian Open. The 27-year-old American downed the defending champion in a straight-sets 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 victory in the second round of the tournament on Wednesday, bringing up the biggest win of his career yet.

Tiafoe, who won his second-round match against Juncheng Shang hours later, spoke about Nadal’s recent form in his post-match press conference.

"I think it's been a question mark how Rafa has been feeling for a little bit now,” he said, “I mean, it's tough. Rafa has been running around doing this for a long time. I don't know where his body is at, but he is an absolute legend.”

Speaking about his countryman’s success against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open, the American, who himself emerged victorious against the Spaniard in the fourth round of the 2022 US Open, stated that he encouraged McDonald to pull off an upset similar to his. Additionally, he had also asked McDonald to take note of Taylor Fritz’s 2022 Indian Wells and ATP Finals glories and Tommy Paul’s 2022 Paris Masters win against the World No. 2.

“I told Mackey, Listen, you could join the three amigos, you know: me, Fritz, and Tommy. We all got him. I don't know if you want to join it,” Tiafoe said about the American’s getting the better of Rafael Nadal, “I told him, ‘You're going to be in a position to win today. You can win today.’”

The 24-year-old further added that he was thrilled with McDonald's win against the 22-time Grand Slam champion and remarked that the World No. 65 would now have a special story to tell his grand kids.

“I'm happy for Mackey. GOAT wins don't come easy. Something to tell his grand kids one day, and you have to be happy for that guy,” Tiafoe said.