Russia’s Daniil Mevedev celebrated his all-time world number one title on Thursday by defeating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka (6-2, 6-3) in the quarterfinals of the Acapulco tournament.
The Spaniard Rafael Nadal also qualified for the semifinals, defeating the American Tommy Paul (6-0, 7-6).
The 26-year-old Russian player did not hide his emotion when he learned a few hours earlier that he is the new number one in the world, after the defeat of Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Dubai tournament.
“It is not easy to play a match when you learn this during the day,” said Daniil Medvedev, who, however, outscored his Japanese opponent without much difficulty.
For the first time since 2004, the ATP throne will be vacated by one of the members of the Big 4, namely Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
Daniil Mevedev will meet Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, in a rematch of the Australian Open final won by the Spaniard, the fifth player in the world.
Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas qualified by defeating the American Markos Chiron 6-3, 6-4. He will face in the last four the winner of the last quarterfinal match, who tonight’s against the British Cameron Norrie with the German Peter Gojowczyk.
