Mexican Open: Nadal beats Medvedev; sets a final against Norrie
What's the story
Rafael Nadal on Saturday once again bested Russia's Daniil Medvedev in straight-sets 6-3, 6-3 in a re-match to their Australian Open final clash. Following his 6-3, 6-3 win over Medvedev, Nadal has qualified for the final of the 2022 Mexican Open. It is a 500 ATP event, which is being played in Acapulco. He will next take on Britain's Cameron Norrie in the final.
Context
Why does this story matter?
It was Medvedev's first match against Nadal, following his heartbreaking loss in Melbourne last month in a five-set thriller. Medvedev went into this fixture with high expectations but failed to stop the 21-time Grand Slam champion's winning juggernaut. With this victory, Nadal has extended his winning streak in 2022 to 14-0. This is Nadal's best start to a season.
Match
Key stats from the match
Medvedev hammered 10 aces as compared to two by Nadal. Medvedev (7) made more double faults than his opponent (1). The Spaniard won 65% points on the first serve and 68% points on the second serve. Medvedev, meanwhile, won 73% points on the first serve and 35% on the second serve. Nadal won three breakpoints. Overall, Nadal won 81 points while Medvedev managed 63.
Statement
Nadal on his win over Medvedev
"I played some amazing points on the breakpoints," Nadal said. "The second set was very emotional. Daniil was playing very aggressive, drop shots, winners. It was a difficult set. I feel lucky to win that set because he had a lot of chances," he added. "He improved a lot at the beginning of last year, and this year he continues," Nadal on Norrie.
Information
Nadal's road to final
Nadal defeated Denis Kudla of America 6-3, 6-2 in R32. In the next round, he went past Stefan Kozlov 6-0, 6-3. He defeated Tommy Paul in the quarter-final 6-0, 7-6 (7-5). In the semis, he downed Medvedev.
Career
A look at Nadal's career
Nadal is the first male player to win 21 Slams. He is a former world number one. He is currently ranked 5th. Nadal has won a record 13 French Open trophies. He has won the Australian Open and Wimbledon twice each. He owns 4 US Open titles. Nadal has won 90 singles ATP titles in his career. He has finished runner-up on 37 occasions.