Defeats World Number 1 Medvedev In Straight Sets, Rafael Nadal Reaches Mexico Open Final

Rafael Nadal. (Photo: Instagram @rafaelnadal)

JAKARTA - Rafael Nadal has successfully reached the final of the 2022 Mexico Open. The Spaniard defeated world number one Daniil Medvedev.

Nadal managed to come out victorious after beating opponents in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 on Saturday, February 26, 2022. This victory makes the 35-year-old tennis player hold a 14-0 win-loss record this year.

After being dominant in the first set, Nadal saved 11 breakpoints from two consecutive service games to maintain his lead early in the second.

"The second set was very emotional. Daniil [Medvedev] played very aggressively, drop shots, winners. It was a very difficult set. I felt lucky to win that set because he had a lot of chances," Nadal was quoted as saying by the ATP website.

This victory makes Nadal even more winning 5-1 win-loss with the Russian. It was also his second win over Medvedev this year after he came back from two sets down to win the Australian Open final in January.

Nadal is a three-time Mexico Open champion, in 2005, 2013 and 2020. His first two titles were while the tournament was still played on clay.

Nadal's win-loss record is now 24-2 at the ATP 500 level championship. In addition, he is recorded to have won 18 consecutive sets since he came out as champion in 2020.

A winning streak could add up for Nadal as he stakes his 14th straight win this year in the final against Cameron Norrie on Sunday, February 27 tomorrow.

Nadal leads with a score of 3-0 over the Briton. Nadal's three wins over Norrie were made in 2021 when they met at the Australian Open, Barcelona and Roland Garros.

"His level of tennis is incredible. He improved a lot at the start of last year, and the year his progress continues to rise. It will be a big challenge, but we are in the final. So can't expect easy opponents. I'm happy to be in the final," said Nadal.