Rafael Nadal, 29 and Spain's no. 1 secured a spot in Acapulco men's final at the end of what was a delightful display of dominant tennis. With a solid pace against Marin Cilic of Croatia, Nadal will step into his 2nd ATP final of the season after the epic one at the Australian Open where he dramatically lost to Roger Federer in 5 sets. For The Spaniard, this week of tennis comes as a confirmation of his game being back on solid ground. With Djokovic being ousted by Kyrgios, for Nadal, Acapulco could be a winning bet.
Nadal exposed Cilic's limitations
The no. 1 of Croatia and the world no. 8 could not prevent Nadal from moving in the last stage of the ATP 500 event in Acapulco. Prior to the encounter, the head to head status was in favor of Nadal 3-1, with the Croatian's only triumph dating from 2009. Nadal had won the previous three meetings, and their clash in Acapulco didn't change a thing. One of the tallest top players on the ATP circuit, Cilic mostly relies on his powerful and disruptive serve. Against Nadal, this instrumental weapon was nowhere to be found. With no solid foundation to built upon, Cilic was easily ousted. Nadal took the opening set by 6-1 in a bit over half an hour. The momentum kept his path as Nadal surged through the 2nd set.
In the end, it was 6-2 for the Spaniard who looks further for his first title in 2017.
Nadal vs. Querrey
Despite being an underestimated player, Sam Querrey of the United States has some qualities under his belt. Last year he took Djokovic off the course in Wimbledon by winning in 4 sets against the world no. 1 at that date.
Now, he edged Nick Kyrgios in the semis of Acapulco. The young Aussie player produced the shock of the tournament as he squeezed Djokovic in straight sets in the quarterfinals. Once again, Kyrgios wasted a big chance as he was unable to maintain the elevated level of the previous match.
Against Sam Querrey (40 ATP), Rafael Nadal's only known thing was the success.
They had four meetings in the past having the Spaniard as the winner of all. Their last match-up took place last year on the clay court of Madrid. If he gets past Querrey, Nadal will add a 3rd Acapulco title to this record.
