Rafael Nadal takes down Daniil Medvedev to set up Norrie date in Acapulco final

Medvedev was unable to avenge his loss to Nadal in the Australian Open final, where the Spaniard claimed a record-setting 21st grand slam singles title

Nadal is now 14-0 in the season and will try to capture his fourth title in Acapulco

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Rafael Nadal advanced to the final in Mexico with a straight-sets defeat of Daniil Medvedev. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 3:57pm, 26 Feb 2022

This time around, there was no drama.

In a rematch of an epic five-set Australian Open final, Rafael Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-3 early on Saturday and qualified for the Mexican Open final, where he will play Cameron Norrie.

A month ago in Australia, the 35-year-old Nadal came from two sets down to beat Medvedev and win his record 21st grand slam singles title. Nadal is now 14-0 in the season and will try to capture his fourth title in Acapulco.

Medvedev was unable to avenge his loss to Nadal in the Australian Open final, where the Spaniard rallied from two sets down to triumph in five and claim a record-setting 21st grand slam singles title.

Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia during a Mexican Tennis Tournament semi-final match in Acapulco, Mexico, 25 February 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE

“I played some amazing points on the break points,” said Nadal, who used everything in his arsenal to fend off Medvedev – from his classic powerful forehands to aggressive forays to the net.

“The second set was very emotional,” Nadal said. “Daniil was playing very aggressive – drop shots, winners. It was a very difficult set.