Mexican Open: Nadal beats Medvedev to reach final – Amazing to win against world no

Rafael Nadal extended his winning streak to 14 in 2022 when he reached the final of the Mexican Open in Acapulco, defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia 6-3, 6-3 in the men’s singles semifinals in Acapulco on Sunday. It is the third consecutive final for Nadal, who won the Australian Open in Melbourne last month.

Nadal had a couple of break points already in the first game but Medvedev held at love but it was only a matter of time before the Spaniard went 3-1 ahead before winning the opener 6-3. However, Medvedev found his groove and had a total of 11 break points in the match but Nadal didn’t concede as he won the semifinal match which lasted around 2 hours.

It was a stark contrast to the Australian Open final where Nadal came back 2 sets down to beat Medvedev in a 5 set marathon in Melbourne. “Daniil played really aggressively in the second set, with drop shots and winners,” said Nadal, who has won Acapulco three times, on Sunday.

“It was very difficult, I feel a little lucky to have won that set as he had so many chances. It’s amazing to win against the world number one and it’s great to be in the final.”

Nadal will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the final of the Mexican Open, where he will seek his 91st tour-level title.

“Norrie has improved a lot this year. We’re in the final of the 500 tournament in Acapulco, so don’t expect an easy opponent. It will be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Earlier on Friday, Britain’s sixth-placed Norrie prevented world-ranked fourth Stefanos Tsitsipas from reaching a second straight final in Acapulco, winning 6-4, 6-4 in an hour and 18 minutes.

“I wasn’t feeling really good at the start of the game. I had some nerve but my serve really kept me going,” said Norrie. “I could dictate the game and get into his backhand while defending my forehand.”