ATP Weekend Recap: Nadal Wins Acapulco, Medvedev Takes Over #1 Spot

February 28, 2022 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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Photo Credit: Darren Carroll/USTA

 

Rafael Nadal has now won 15 straight matches as the Spaniard captured the title at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, Mexico on Sunday. Nadal defeated Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 to win Acapulco for the fourth time in his career.

“It always has been a very special place,” said Nadal. “The energy that the people from Mexico bring to me is very unique.”

Nadal entered Acapulco after winning his 21st major title at the Australian Open, and continued his winning ways in Mexico. He defeated his Aussie Open final opponent Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, before ousting a red-hot Norrie in straight sets on Sunday.

“Cameron is a very solid player, a tricky player. He makes you feel that you cannot play comfortable against him at all,” said Nadal. “I went through some very difficult moments during the match that I was able to save, and then I took advantage when I had the chances. I’m very pleased. It was a very important title for me, so I can’t be happier.”

Nadal now moves up one spot to No. 4 in the ATP World Tour rankings.

The aforementioned Medvedev made history this week in the rankings as he rose to the No. 1 spot, making the first time since 2004 that one of the Big Four (Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray) did not hold that position.

“Of course I am happy to reach No.1. It was my goal since I was young and especially my goal in the latest times,” said Medvedev. “I got a lot of messages from many people and from other tennis players and I just want to thank everybody for the big support.”

Medvedev is the 27th person all-time to hold the top-spot in the men’s rankings.

Nadal’s compatriot Pedro Martinez won the first ATP title of his career, defeating Sebastian Baez 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to win the Chile Open in Santiago.

“I am very happy,” said Martinez. “It was a big battle. He has played unbelievably well in the past year. I played very well at the end and am really happy. I always fight until the end and that can give you opportunities.”

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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