Rafael Nadal news: Australian Open champion wins ‘strange match’ to set new personal milestone

Rafael Nadal went 12-0 to the start of a season for the first time in his career after claiming another impressive win at the Mexican Open, this time defeating a “very smart” Stefan Kozlov.
The world No 5 has already picked up two titles this year as he kicked off 2022 with the Melbourne Summer Set trophy and followed it up with a record-breaking Australian Open title as he became the first man to win 21 Grand Slams.
And after winning his opening match against Denis Kudla in Acapulco comfortably, he followed it up with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Kozlov to reach the quarter-final.
This one goes to 12 💪
For the first time in his career, @RafaelNadal starts a season with 12 consecutive wins, defeating Stefan Kozlov 6-0 6-3 at #AMT2022 pic.twitter.com/wFxQ5iP1WG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 24, 2022
The opening set took only 32 minutes to complete as the Spaniard broke three times as lucky loser Kozlov was bagelled. The American finally got on the scoreboard in game two of the second set before Nadal broke in game four.
Kozlov then had a bit of joy in game seven as he got back on serve when Nadal hit a backhand volley into the net, but it was short-lived as the second seed broke again in the next game.
“A little bit of a strange match,” Nadal said after his win. “Kozlov has a different style than most other players, so you need to be very careful. Sometimes you are able to win points in a row, but then if you start to play at his rhythm, it’s very difficult because he has great control from the baseline and he’s very smart.”
He added: “Always it’s important to win as quick as possible, but the most important thing is to win. Tonight has been straight sets, that’s great news, and I’ll try to be ready for tomorrow again against a tough opponent.”
The Spaniard will face Tommy Paul in the last eight after the American defeated Dusan Lajovic while a semi-final against top seed Daniil Medvedev, the man he beat in the Australian Open final, is projected.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas reignite feud after ‘clown’ comment
Tsitsipas made comments about Aussie maverick Kyrgios as he spoke to the media while playing for Greece in the Davis Cup.
-
WTA Tour
Alycia Parks pulls off biggest career win in stunning Lyon final upset
Alycia Parks wrapped up her breakthrough week on the WTA Tour with her first top five victory.
-
Tennis News
Who is Cameron Norrie’s girlfriend, Louise Jacobi?
Louise Jacobi has been involved with Cameron Norrie since 2019.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic is prepared to put his body on the line to be the GOAT
Should Novak Djokovic be considered the favourite at Roland Garros or is that blasphemy while Rafa lives and breathes?
-
ATP Tour
Clay court specialists make long trek for Cordoba Open
Led by third seed and defending champion Albert Ramos-Vinolas Spain have a strong presence in the Cordoba Open draw with five players.
-
WTA Tour
Elena Rybakina enjoys first round bye in Abu Dhabi but danger lurks in deceptive draw
Elena Rybakina will have to face a former world No 1 in the opening match of her Abu Dhabi Open campaign.
-
Davis Cup
‘Fired up’ Great Britain clinch vital Davis Cup win in Colombia
The day began with the score level at 1-1 after the sides took a victory each in Friday’s opening singles rubbers.
-
WTA Tour
Alycia Parks turns heads in breakthrough run in Lyon
Alycia Parks has been on fire this week continuing her charge up the rankings.
-
News
Matteo Berrettini outlines his career goals and legacy
Matteo Berrettini is here for a good time not a long time.
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer set for Wimbledon return as talks reach advanced stage
Roger Federer reported to be in talks to join the BBC commentary team at Wimbledon this summer.