‘I Gave a Lot to Win’ – Rafael Nadal Outplays Daniil Medvedev to Set Up a Final Clash With Cameron Norrie in the Finals of ATP Acapulco

Rafael Nadal is through to the finals of ATP 500 Acapulco Open. He beat the World No.1, Daniil Medvedev to book a place in the last 2. What was speculated as a rematch of the Australian Open finals; instead turned out to be an altogether different scenario. Unlike the Australian Open finals, Nadal faced no difficulty in sailing past the Russian storm, winning the match in straight sets.

Using his Melbourne final technique; Nadal once again opted for a strategic outlook to the match. He focused on minimizing his unforced errors, letting Medvedev commit mistakes. Coupling his strategic game with high-quality service, Nadal cruised past Medvedev 6-3, 6-3 in 2 hours.

Nadal played one of his best tennis games in the second set of the match. Having a calm and composed approach towards the game, Nadal saved 11 breakpoints in the second set. Impressed by his game, Nadal opened up about those points in the post-match on-court interview.

Nadal’s impressive play in the second set

Adopting a tactical attitude since the start, Rafael Nadal took the first set with ease. In the second set, Rafael Nadal managed an early break, taking his lead further. Converting the lead to his advantage, the Spaniard went on to take the second set. However, what came to notice in this nearly perfect match of Nadal is his 2nd and 3rd service games of the second set.

In the second service game, Nadal saved 4 break-points, as he managed to hold his serve. However, it did not end there. In the next service game, Nadal again managed to save 7 break-points, to take a 4-2 lead in the set. Impressed by his performance in the second set, Nadal said, “I think I played some amazing points in that break points. Second set have been very much, you know, Daniil was playing very aggressive. Drop shots, winners, Have been a very difficult set. I gave a lot in to win that set because he had a lot of chances.”

He further added on his comfortable position in the first set saying, “First set I think was a little bit easier. I think he tried to play a little more aggressive, but I did well.”

A high bouncing court often works as an added advantage for a player having a top-spin style of play. Rafa is no different. Having an extremely high topspin style of play, his game gets highly complimented by the high bouncing courts of Acapulco.

Being a seasoned player, Rafael used the court surface to his utmost advantage, as he went on to dominate Daniil. “The ball here, the bounces are high, specially when the ball is not getting that big, helps to my game. So, really happy with the way I played, win against the number one player in the world. It’s amazing. Very happy to be in another final.”

Rafael Nadal on facing Cameron Norrie in the finals of Acapulco

After his phenomenal play in the semi-final, Rafael Nadal is set to face the 6th seeded British player Camron Norrie. The two players have faced each other thrice in their careers before. Coincidentally, in the same year (2021). Even though Nadal has been the victorious one in all three meetings, he still feels that Norrie is a great competition for him.

During the on-court interview after his semi-final win, Nadal was asked about his upcoming clash with Norrie. Taking the question with grace, Nadal answered the question, going all heart for the British player. “Well, his (Cameron Norrie) level of tennis is huge. He improved a lot during the last year and this year he continues. He won last week, this week he’s in the final winning lot of great matches. So, got to be a be a big challenge. But we are in the final of 500. Can’t expect a easier opponent you know. SO I’m excited about being in the final and, for me got to be a challenge but I am excited to play that match.”

With his semi-final win, Nadal is on a 15-0 win streak. He will look to improve it further in the the finals of ATP 500 Abierto Mexicano Telcel, where he will be eyeing his 4th title.