Rafael Nadal once again gave a true lecture in professional tennis, after convincingly beating current world number one Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal of the Mexico Open with a score of 6-3 and 6-3 in order to advance to his fifth final in six participations on Aztec soil.
On this, the Spaniard stressed that he feels very happy to advance to a new final of an important tournament and that it means a lot to him to continue standing in the competition with a good physical condition and his game.
“Being in the final, after Australia, in different conditions, and maintaining illusion and concentration, means that mentally I’m fine. It’s a quarter to one in the morning and it’s time to rest because Norrie who won a tournament last week is coming to me”, said Rafael Nadal after the game.
This is the second time that the Spaniard has beaten the Russian giant in the current season and both in one phase end of a major tournament. In this way, the Manacorí has become the true stone in the shoe of the new number one in the world.
“I have played against a rival who is number one and on the surface that he likes the most. It is true that here in Acapulco the boat is more cheerful and that favors me more. It’s a high-level victory that helps me and confirms that things are going in a very positive way. Qualifying for the final in Acapulco means a lot, so I’m very happy”, added the Spaniard.
Beyond having advanced to a new final in his career, Nadal attaches great importance to his current physique and the great response his ankle has had to the intensity he has to endure during each match.
“I have a problem that doesn’t have much of a solution. Sometimes I have slightly better days and sometimes worse days. But that is part of my day to day. The most positive thing is that I am able to handle it. Being here just playing is a gift that I value very much. I am grateful to life for all the opportunities and experiences that I am living and have been able to live thanks to tennis for so many years”, concluded Rafael Nadal.
Furthermore, the Spaniard will look for a new trophy for his career and the second of the current season. In addition to further expanding his full start to the year, where he has not lost a single match since he returned to the courts.
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The best in the world? Nadal beats Medvedev and gets into his fifth Acapulco final
Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev will have their revenge in the Acapulco semifinal