ACAPULCO, Mexico – This time, no drama.
In the rematch of the five-set Australian Open final, Rafael Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-3 early on Saturday and qualify for the Mexican Open final where he will play Cameron Norrie.
A month ago in Australia, 35-year-old Nadal started from two sets to beat Medvedev and win his 21st Grand Slam singles title.
“Every match is different,” said Nadal. “I said it yesterday. There were different conditions and everything changed. It was another game, with a very exciting second. [set] where I make very few mistakes. “
Nadal is currently 14-0 this season and will attempt to claim his fourth title in Acapulco, where he is a fan favorite after winning the 2005, 2013 and 2020 titles.
“This week means a lot after what happened in Australia,” said Nadal. “I was able to stay focused. That means I’m fine mentally, and that’s important because tomorrow has a tough final.
“It’s been a long career with more success than I could have imagined. To play here is a gift that I cherish and appreciate. I’m grateful for these opportunities.”
Nadal started strongly in the match with a break in the fourth game of the 47-minute first set.
Medvedev, who will be world No. 1 on Monday, played better in the second set but missed 11 break points, seven of them in the 19-minute fifth game.
“I don’t think I played great today,” Medvedev said. “My whole level in the game wasn’t good enough to play against a player like Rafa. I can’t take anything from this. Honestly, I need to change everything that I did. today. I feel like I lacked some energy today.”
Before that, Norrie extended her hot streak into February by upset Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4.
After losing all four of her games in January, Norrie was 10-1 in February and headed to Mexico after winning the third ATP Tour title of her career at Delray Beach.
Norrie, Acapulco’s sixth seed, had the biggest win of his career when he beat Tsitsipas, who placed fourth.
“I served very well today,” said Norrie. “I really enjoyed the match. It was one of my best wins. I hope we can continue the run tomorrow.”
Norrie took a break from serving in the ninth game of the first and second sets to beat Tsitsipas.
The biggest win of Norrie’s previous career was his defeat Dominic Thiemwho is fourth in the ATP rankings, in the semi-finals of 2021 in Lyon.
