Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev meet on Saturday in the semi-final battle of the ATP tournament in Acapulco. It means a repeat of the final of the Australian Open, almost four weeks ago.
Nadal (35) was too strong for American Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals in Mexico, 6-0 7-6 (5), who had a break three times in the second set. For Nadal it was his thirteenth win in a row in 2022, he has never started a season better.
Medvedev, 26, defeated Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2 6-3. Before that game, the 26-year-old Russian already knew that, after the defeat of Novak Djokovic in Dubai, he will be the new number 1 in the world from Monday. “It was great news, but it was not easy to play a game when you receive such news,” said Medvedev.
Final
Both Nadal and Medvedev will play their first tournament in Acapulco since the memorable final of the Australian Open at the end of last month. “Everyone knows how difficult the final in Australia was. Tomorrow will be another fight. I know he plays well and has a lot of confidence. I’m looking forward to playing that game,” Nadal looked ahead.
Medvedev still has something to rectify, as he gave up a 2-0 lead in sets in Melbourne. “It will be a kind of chance for me to get revenge. Playing against Rafa is always special,” said the future number 1 in the world.
The other semifinal is between the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas and the British Cameron Norrie.
