He is where Zverev wants to be – AT THE TOP!
Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal (35) has shown with another gala who is currently the best player in the world.
In a repeat of the epic Australian Open final from earlier this month, the Spaniard once again defeated Russian superstar Daniil Medvedev (26) at the tournament in Acapulco/Mexico, securing his next final 6-3 and 6-3.
In the absence of tennis number 1 Novak Djokovic, who served at the tournament in Dubai after his entry theater in Australia, Nadal was again the better of two strong players and sometimes scored highly spectacular shots.
In Australia, Nadal had against Medvedev with his 5-set win after a 0-2 set deficit, which was probably the biggest comeback win of his career. The crazy victory gave him his 21st Grand Slam victory, making him the most successful male tennis player in history. Record Champ!
Curious: Djokovic will not be replaced as number 1 next Monday by Nadal, but by Medvedev. Djokovic has been at the top of the world rankings for 361 weeks. The Serb, who was confessed to be unvaccinated against Corona, was allowed to play in Dubai because no vaccination certificate is required for entry there.
Germany’s tennis ace Alexander Zverev (24) was also the number one target for this year. However, the defending champion in Acapulco showed how far away he is from this when he attacked the referee in a rage and hit his high chair with his racket. Zverev was disqualified for this before the round of 16.
In the final, Nadal now meets Cameron Norrie (26). The Briton defeated Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas 6: 4, 6: 4 in the other semifinal. But it won’t be easy against the comparatively small name. Norrie, who won the tournament in Delray Beach last week, is now unbeaten in eight matches.
