ACAPULCO, Mexico — 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.
“Every match is different,” Nadal said. “I said that yesterday. There are different conditions, and everything changes. It was a different game, with a very exciting second [set] where I made very few mistakes.”
Nadal is now 14-0 this season and will try to capture his fourth title in Acapulco, where he’s a fan favorite after winning the 2005, 2013 and 2020 titles.
“This week means a lot after what…
