Rafael Nadal points out three things that were crucial to his Acapulco hat-trick

ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal smiling

Rafael Nadal made light of Taylor Fritz to win the Mexican Open for a third time, saying his intensity, passion and forehand were all key to his victory.

The world No 2 first won the Acapulco title as an 18-year-old in 2005 on clay and notched up his second title in 2013 also on the red dirt.

He completed the hat-trick with a 6-3, 6-2 defeat of the unseeded Fritz in one hour and 14 minutes on Saturday, becoming both the youngest and oldest player to win the title.

The Spaniard broke in game eight of the opening set and games five and seven of the second.

“I couldn’t be happier. I played a great event from the beginning to the end,” he said after winning his 85th career title.

“Acapulco was the first big title that I won in my career, so to be able to stay here after 15 years is amazing. I can’t thank enough the people who make me feel at home every single time.”

He added: “After not competing since Australia, it’s an important week for me and an important moment. I played solid, with the right intensity and the right passion, and my forehand worked well.”

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