Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC—Acapulco, Mexico
No. 4 seed Rafael Nadal improved to 15-0 in 2022 on Saturday in Acapulco, Mexico, dispatching Brit Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4.
Winning his 91st career title, Nadal started strong out of the blocks against his lower ranked opponent, winning the first set in 51 minutes. Using his serve and forehand to great effect, Nadal won 71 percent of his first serve points and broke serve on four occasions.
Capturing titles this year at the Melbourne tune up and the Australian Open, Nadal has now began his year better than any other in his career.
The Spaniard will next see action at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, where he is a three-time former winner.
Norrie, who has been in exceptional form over the past year, currently stands at No. 12 in the rankings. The 26-year-old owns three career titles, including one this year in Delray Beach, Florida.
*****
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships—Dubai, U.A.E.
No. 2 seed Andrey Rublev backed up his victory last week on the ATP Tour in Marseille, France, capturing his 10th career title in Dubai, U.A.E. on Saturday or Jiri Vesely, 6-4, 6-4.
In a match that featured two big hitters, it was Rublev who used his world-class forehand to great effect. Hitting 13 aces and winning 79 percent of his first serve points, Rublev broke his strong opponent on three occasions.
Improving to 13-2 on the season and 1-0 against Vesely in head-to-head meetings, the Russian will be ranked No. 6 on Monday.
Vesely, who was ranked No. 123 entering the event, defeated Marin Cilic, Roberto Bautista Agut, Novak Djokovic and Denis Shapovalov en route to the finals. The 28-year-old had been out of action last year after suffering a car accident. Vesely was ranked as high as No. 35 in the world in April of 2015.
*****
Chile Dove Men+Care Open—Santiago, Chile
Semifinal results:
(7) Sebastian Baez Defeats (2) Albert Ramos-Vinolas 64 46 62
(4) Pedro Martinez Defeats Alejandro Tabilo 57 64 64
