Rafael Nadal news: Daniil Medvedev rematch awaits in Acapulco

ATP Tour

James Richardson
February 25, 2022

Rafael Nadal will meet Australian Open final opponent and new World No 1 Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals at the Mexican Open.

Nadal was made to work hard for his victory over Tommy Paul despite handing the American a first set bagel.

The Spaniard needed a second set tiebreak win to progress 6-0, 7-6 in the Acapulco heat.

It was a workout for the 35-year-old Grand Slam King as his younger opponent refused to surrender in a tight second stanza.

Nadal had dropped just ten points in the first set but the American grew into the match as the Spaniard tired.

The 21-time Major winner believes that he let Paul back into the match with a few errors at the outset of the second set.

“I think I played one of the best sets since a long time ago,” Rafael Nadal said of the opener. “I played fantastic in the first set. In the beginning of the second I made a couple of mistakes, and then he started playing better and better. The set became a little bit crazy with a lot of breaks.”

Nadal talked up his semi-final opponent, as if there were any need given his newly-earned status as the top dog on the ATP Tour.

“Everybody knows how difficult it is to play against Daniil,” he said.

“I know I have to play at my highest level if I want to have any chance, and that’s what I’m going to try. I have to play my game.

“Everybody knows how difficult the final was in Australia. Tomorrow is going to be another battle. I know he’s playing well, plenty of confidence… I am excited to play that match.”

13, and counting💪 @RafaelNadal improves to 13-0 on the season with a 6-0 7-6 victory over Tommy Paul at Acapulco. #AMT2022 pic.twitter.com/YIXfgAWTi0

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 25, 2022