Rafa Nadal outclasses Daniil Medvedev to set Cameron Norrie final in Acapulco - UBITENNIS

Rafa Nadal outclasses Daniil Medvedev to set Cameron Norrie final in Acapulco

Rafael Nadal cruised past new world number one Daniil Medvedev to set up a meeting in the final with Cameron Norrie.

By James Spencer
6 Min Read

Spain’s Rafael Nadal produced a majestic display to see off the new world number one Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.

The renaissance continued for the Spaniard as he won 6-3, 6-3 to go a career best 14-0 unbeaten, an unbelievable start to the season.

For Medvedev, it was not the outcome he had wanted, but when the dust settles, he will no doubt be proud of his week in Acapulco, and his new world number one status.

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Everything Nadal did turned to gold, and his gameplan was immaculate.

The serve was strong, groundstrokes were good. Tactically, he ousted Medvedev by hustling him into mistakes and unforced errors.

A break in each set was enough to hold off the challenge of Medvedev and the 21-time Grand Slam champion still hasn’t dropped a set all tournament.

In Saturday’s final he will face Briton’s Cameron Norrie, who made it two finals in a week, as he beat Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4. A break in the ninth game of both sets saw Norrie triumph and set up a showdown with Nadal.

After the match, the Spanish world number five had this to say.

“I played some amazing points on those break points,” he said.

“In the second set, Daniil was playing very aggressive. It was a difficult set. I feel lucky to have won it, as he had a lot of chances.

“I’m really happy with the way I played, against the number one player in the world, and excited to play in the final.”

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Nadal, like his close friend and rival, Roger Federer, often has a philosophical perspective on life.

“This week means a lot, after what happened in Australia,” the 3-time Acapulco winner said.

“I was able to remain focused. That means that I am OK mentally, and that’s important because I have a tough final tomorrow.

“It’s been a long career with more success than I could ever imagine,” he reflected.

“To be playing here is a gift that I treasure and appreciate. I’m thankful for these opportunities.”

I did press with the British number one, and this is what he said after his latest win that brings him onto an 8-0 unbeaten run.

“I wasn’t feeling well at the start of the match. I had some nerves, but my serve kept me in there,” he said.

“I was able to dictate play to his backhand and defend my forehand quite well.

“I definitely felt that better in the second set, and I think my game is pretty good in these conditions.”

James Spencer (@jspencer28) analysis:

Well, my quarter-final predictions were all on point, but for the semi-finals, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I honestly foresaw Medvedev wanting to set the record straight after his defeat in Australia. I also thought he would come out and wanting to prove why he’s the best tennis player in the world.

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However, Nadal looked inspired. Perhaps he saw my article and thought, how can he write me off!

The former world number one played some stunning tennis. It makes me wonder if he carries on winning like this, could he return to the top of the rankings by the end of the year? Quite possibly.

I also wonder whether now would be a good time to pull out of Indian Wells and Miami, and just prepare for the clay-court season.

He can rest his body, and protect the momentum and confidence that he has built up, in these first two months of the season.

Playing for a third title of 2022 and the 91st of his career is truly spectacular, and tennis is very lucky to have such a talented champion.

As for Medvedev. He can be proud of his achievements, not only in Acapulco, but this year.

He’s playing well and more success cannot be far away.

I do wonder though, if, hiring a super coach, and having a legend in his corner, someone like Marat Safin, could inspire him to new success.

With the French Open and Wimbledon around the corner, I think that kind of appointment could take him to the next level.

As for Tsitsipas, like he did against Medvedev in the Australian Open, he just didn’t turn up last night.

The Greek will be disappointed that his performance was so flat and there was never a major threat of him winning, but he will be back, I’m sure.

Norrie has torn up my predications this week for him! He’s shown that tiredness isn’t a factor and if anything, confidence and winning, building momentum is very important in tennis.

I’m excited to see if he has the weapons in the final to possibly sneak a set off Nadal.

I think we are in for quite a final.

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