Rafael Nadal continued his terrific run of form to open 2022 as he reached the Mexican Open final for the fifth time in his career - where he will face British star Cameron Norrie.
Nadal is undefeated in 14 matches this season, and he sealed his spot in the final with a sensational 6-3 6-3 straight sets victory over new tennis world number one Daniil Medvedev.
The Spaniard fought back from two sets down against the Russian to win a thrilling Australian Open final last month. It was Nadal’s 21st Grand Slam title, moving clear of rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the all-time leader in major men’s singles titles.
It is all the more impressive considering Nadal’s recent rotten injury luck. The 35-year-old had struggled with injuries and sat out most of 2021 with a foot injury that requited surgery in September.
A 'liberated' Nadal is now reaping the benefits of his recovery and sent out a warning to rivals Djokovic and Co - claiming his injury problems are behind him for now.
“As you know, I have better days and worse days,” Nadal said. “For me the most important thing, whether it hurts or not, is that I can play without limitations and that's what I couldn't do last year and I fear.
“I feel liberated and in games that I've played the foot hasn't been a problem. I enjoy every day that the foot allows me to play freely.”
After a straightforward opening set, Nadal was forced see off 11 break points over two straight service games in the second set before he clinched victory over Medvedev, who will become world number one on Monday.
“I have played against a rival who is number one and on the surface that he likes the most,” Nadal proudly declared. “It is true that here in Acapulco the boat is happier and that favours me more.
“It is a victory of a high level that helps me and that confirms that things are going in a very positive way. Qualifying for the final in Acapulco means a lot and I'm very happy.
“The second set was very exciting. I think there were incredible points. In the first set, I think he tried to play more aggressive than usual and I It was good because I made very few mistakes.
“I played well tactically and my serve worked well. It was the best day of the entire tournament.
“Since I made the break in the second set, his level He has increased a lot.
“He started to play aggressively without making mistakes, changing directions, playing with drop shots, serving well and I've saved 11 break balls in two games, which is already a lottery.”
Norrie will face Nadal in the Acapulco final after the Brit claimed an impressive 6-4 6-4 win over world number four Stefanos Tsitsipas.
