Decoding the incredible run of Rafael Nadal in 2022
What's the story
Spanish ace Rafael Nadal extended his unbeaten run in 2022 by winning the Mexican Open last week. He earned a 6-4, 6-4 win over Cameron Norrie in the final to clinch his 91st career singles title. Nadal has extended his career-best start to an ATP season to 15-0. It was his 11th straight win in ATP Tour finals. Here are the key stats.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Nadal has been in sublime form after his return to the ATP Tour. He had contracted COVID-19 after competing in Abu Dhabi. Before that, Nadal played in August 2021 (Washington), losing to Lloyd Harris. The former then skipped the rest of the season due to a foot injury. Nadal made a terrific comeback as he won the Melbourne Summer Set and the Australian Open.
Feats
A look at the feats Nadal attained in Acapulco
Nadal overcame Denis Kudla, Stefan Kozlov, Tommy Paul, Daniil Medvedev, and Norrie to win in Acapulco. He won the title without dropping a set as he did in 2020. The Spaniard has now won 20 straight sets in Acapulco. Nadal has won 13 consecutive sets overall, a streak that dates back to the Australian Open earlier this year.
Title
91st ATP Tour title for Nadal
Nadal won his 91st ATP Tour singles title. Earlier this year, he became only the second man after Federer (103) among active players to win 90 or more ATP titles. He reached the landmark at the Australian Open. Nadal won the Melbourne Summer Set after beating Maxime Cressy in the final. He outplayed the American 7-6(6), 6-3 to win his 89th tour-level title.
Australian Open
Nadal clinched his second Australian Open title
Earlier this year, Nadal won his second Australian Open title after beating Medvedev in the final (2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5). Nadal captured his 21st Grand Slam title, now the most in men's singles. He broke a tie with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (20 each). The former became the second player (Open Era) to win each major twice.
Information
Nadal extends his streak
Nadal has now won at least one major title in 15 different years. He won at least a single major for 10 consecutive seasons from 2005 to 2014. He then had another such streak from 2017 to 2020. Nadal couldn't win a major in 2021.