In a much-anticipated rematch of their 2022 Australian Open five-setter, Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev served up another epic on Friday in the Acapulco semi-finals.
Nadal again came out on top, with the 6-3, 6-3 scoreline looking dull compared to the action on the court. After a dominant opening set, the Spaniard saved 11 break points across two consecutive service games to hang on to an early lead in the second. With the win, he improves to 14-0 on the season, extending his career-best start.
After the match, Nadal said:
"I played some amazing points on the break points. The second set was very emotional. Daniil was playing very aggressive — drop shots, winners. It was a very difficult set. I feel lucky to win that set because he had a lot of chances."
The Spaniard will face Cameron Norrie in the final and on that, he said:
"His level of tennis is huge. He improved a lot at the beginning of last year, and this year he continues. It's going to be a big challenge, but we are in the final of a 500 here in Acapulco, so can't expect an easy opponent. I'm excited about being in the final."