King and in Acapulco Rafa Nadal

Celebrating his 91st career title and third straight season for the trained Rafael Nadal, who continues his impressive start in 2022.

The 35-year-old Mallorcan confirmed predictions that he would be the favorite in Abierto Mexicano’s final against left-hander Cameron Nori, winning 6-4, 6-4 for the fourth time in Acapulco, 17 whole years after his first title in Mexico (2005, 2013, 2020, 2022).

“It’s always a special place for me. The energy that the people of Mexico give me is unique. I am very happy. It’s a very important title for me“Admitted immediately after Nadal, who is the youngest (18, 2005) and oldest champion of the tournament (35, 2022).

It was Nadal’s 15th consecutive win this year (15-0) and 4th win in as many games with the Brit, with the Spaniard joining this year’s tour after a 5-month absence due to a left foot injury starting in the summer 2021 .

The opening set of the final was particularly ambiguous as Nori notably faced off against the world’s best trained tennis player with 8 straight wins and the title in Delray Beach. Nadal used the unique opportunity to break in the 5th game of the 1st set (3:2) and then easily maintained his serve to lead the score. The Spaniard served with great accuracy on the first serve (89%) and lost just five points behind his first serve (79%) in the first set.

At the beginning of the 2nd set, Nadal scored a break (1-0) in the 1st game, but Nori reacted immediately (1-1) and didn’t let his opponent escape. However, Nadal’s superiority was certified with two breaks in a row (3: 2, 5: 2) and the Brit only managed one break (5: 3) before the 35-year-old from Mallorca ended the match after 1 hour and 55 minutes of play .

“Who would have thought a month and a half ago that something like this would happen“Said Nadal at the awards ceremony, thanking his family and team for their support throughout.

Next stop for the Grand Slam record holder, the Indian Wells Masters on March 10 in California.

Source: Tennis24