Daniil Medvedev understandably looked at Friday’s Abierto Mexicano Telcel semifinal against Rafael Nadal as a chance for a bit of revenge.
He didn’t come close to getting it.
Nadal, who famously defeated Medvedev a month ago in the Australian Open final, rolled to a 6-3, 6-3 victory in Acapulco. In fairness to Medvedev, it was far more competitive than the scoreline suggests. Nadal survived a couple of wild service games early in the second set and needed one hour and 59 minutes to advance.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion saved a ridiculous 11 break points combined during games at 2-1 and 3-2–which lasted approximately 35 minutes by themselves.
“I played some amazing points on the break points,” Nadal assured. “The second set was very emotional. Daniil was playing very aggressive–drop shots, winners…. It was a very difficult set. I feel lucky to win that set, because he had a lot of chances.”
The 35-year-old is now 5-1 lifetime against Medvedev, including 2-0 in major finals–both in five sets.
Next up for Nadal in Saturday’s final is Cameron Norrie, a 6-4, 6-4 winner over Stefanos Tsitsipas. Norrie is bidding for back-to-back titles, having triumphed in Delray Beach last weekend. The head-to-head series stands at 3-0 overall and 8-0 in total sets in favor of the Spaniard.
nice one, Rafa
Amazing start to the season for Rafa, 14-0. Hard to even guess who could beat him at Indian Wells too, since Djokovic can’t play and Zverev might be suspended or skip it
Nole might play, it’s not decided yet.
Oh. Has NoVax decided he might vax?
What do you mean it’s not decided yet? The tournament begins in 10 days, and the unvaccinated can’t enter
I would not say it was “far” more competitive, after all Med did not actually break Nadal at all.