Rafael Nadal BOOED after knocking Alex De Minaur out of Australian Open
RAFAEL NADAL was booed during his on-court interview after knocking Australian No 1 Alex De Minaur out of his home Grand Slam.
Australian Open: Nadal thanks crowd after beating Aussie player
Nadal, 32, pulled no punches as he stormed to a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory.
The Spaniard was in brutal form to set up a fourth-round clash with Tomas Berdych, who defeated Diego Schwartzman earlier in the day.
Nadal was asked by John McEnroe after his win over De Minaur what it felt to have the crowd cheering his opponent on.
And the supporters inside Rod Laver Arena then booed the world No 2 for knocking out the home favourite.
But Nadal tried to take the positive by thanking those who were in his corner.
"I have no complaint at all," Nadal said.
“I want to congratulate Alex for a great start to the season. He is a great player.
“Even playing against an Australian like Alex some part of the crowd was with me and are very respectful. It is a great feeling.
“I can’t thank enough all the support I have got all my career here.
"The best news possible is that I will have another chance to play here."
The booing which Nadal received was only temporary as the crowd quickly got behind the 17-time Grand Slam winner.
And he spoke highly of De Minaur, who is expected to have a bright future.
“He is a big fighter and he is super quick. I played a great game until 40-love and then the deuce I did;t put that one per cent in.
“The point he saved with match point was just unbelievable.
“He is probably the fastest on the tour then of course it was twos its to love and I think I can’t lose that game, it’s my fault.
“I think I played a very solid match.
“I think Alex has an amazing future.”