By Adi Nair
BENGALURU, India (Reuters) – Rafael Nadal beat new world number one Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-3 in the rematch of the Australian Open final to reach the Acapulco Open final.
Medvedev had to defend a few break points in his first match, before Nadal broke it minutes later to open 3-1, maintaining the lead until closing out the first set at 6/3.
Nadal seemed to keep the momentum going for the second set, breaking early to open 1-0, but Medvedev grew as the set progressed and started causing all sorts of problems for the Spaniard with his tiny left hand.
Medvedev managed a total of 11 stops in Nadal’s two service matches in the second set, but the Australian Open champion confirmed his serve on both occasions and rejected the Russian’s bid to recover.
The assurances of Nadal’s under-pressure sending off Medvedev’s breath, and the Russian broke again, with a backhand error giving Nadal the win and rematching against UK number one Cameron Norrie in the final.
“Daniel was playing really hard in the second set, with tricks and winning balls,” Nadal, who won three times in Acapulco, said in an on-court interview.
“It was really tough. I feel a little lucky to win that set because he had so many chances. It’s amazing to beat the world number one and it’s great to be in the final.”
“Nori has improved a lot this year. We made it to the finals of the Level 500 tournament in Acapulco, so you can’t expect an easy opponent. It will be challenging, but I am excited for it.”
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