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Tennis – ATP 500 – Abierto Mexicano – The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Acapulco, Mexico – February 24, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his quarter final match against Tommy Paul of the U.S. REUTERS/Henry Romero
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via Reuters
Tennis – ATP 500 – Abierto Mexicano – The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Acapulco, Mexico – February 24, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his quarter final match against Tommy Paul of the U.S. REUTERS/Henry Romero
Rafael Nadal outplays Daniil Medvedev to reach the finals of the ATP 500 Acapulco. Unlike the 2022 Australian Open finals, Nadal faced no difficulty this time as he sailed over the Russian in straight sets. With this victory, Nadal has improved his win streak further to 14-0. Eying his 4th title on the hard courts of Acapulco, Nadal will face 6th seed Cameron Norrie in the finals tomorrow.
Showing a strategic approach, Nadal refrained from making much unforced errors. Instead, with his tactful play, Nadal made Medvedev go for over-ambitious shots, which resulted in Medvedev making errors. The Spaniard took just 2 hours to beat the Russian 6-3,6-3.
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Rafael Nadal sails through the semi-finals
Keeping in mind his unbelievable form since the start of the season, Rafael Nadal entered the ATP 500 Abierto Mexicano Telcel as the hot favorite. The Spaniard, who won 2005, 2013, and 2020 editions of the tournament, cruised through the initial rounds, dropping just 14 games in three matches. Maintaining his phenomenal form, Nadal entered the semi-finals, facing his Australian Open final rival Daniil Medvedev.
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via Reuters
Tennis – ATP 500 – Abierto Mexicano – The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Acapulco, Mexico – February 24, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his quarter final match against Tommy Paul of the U.S. REUTERS/Henry Romero
The first set started with both the players holding their opening first service games. However, it was the Australian Open that struck first. The Spaniard went on to break Medvedev in his very next service game, taking a 3-1 lead. Having a powerful and strategic play, coupled with high quality service, Nadal drove the set since the start, taking just 47 minutes to win the first set 6-3.
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The second set started with Medvedev’s serve. However, taking advantage of the Russian’s two double faults, Nadal broke Medvedev in the very first service game, taking an early lead. Both the players went on to hold their next two service games. Leading 3-2 on serve, Nadal indulged in the longest game of the match in his 4th service game. Saving 7 break points, the Spaniard managed to hold his serve and win the game, taking a 5-3 lead in the set.
Looking to stay in the set, Daniil Medvedev took a 40-0 lead in the game. However, Rafael made a comeback in the game, winning 3 straight points, taking the set to deuce. Even though he failed to convert the first break point, Rafa looked in no mood to take the match further as he went on to convert the second break point, winning the 2nd set 6-3.
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Fourth seeded Rafael Nadal took 2 hours to beat the top seeded Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-3.
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