MEXICO CITY, Feb 26 (Reuters) – Spanish Rafael Nadal, number five in the world, won the Mexican Tennis Open for the fourth time on Saturday after beating Britain’s Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4.
Nadal, who appeared in Mexico after winning the Australian Open and securing his 21st Grand Slam title, has recorded 15 wins at the start of the season since returning from a foot problem that sidelined him for almost six months last year.
“It is something unimaginable to start the year in this way, playing in Mexico is incredible, it is my fourth title, I have fantastic memories of each of the times I have been here. It is one of the places in the world where the players feel better treated, we always have great memories”, said Nadal after receiving his champion trophy.
“We trust that we will see each other soon,” he added.
In the match that lasted one hour and 54 minutes, Nadal broke Norrie four times, who was frustrated and broke his racket when he slammed it to the ground.
In this way, Nadal, who has won the tournament in 2005, 2013, 2020 and 2022, equaled the mark of four titles in Mexico together with the Spanish David Ferrer and the Austrian Thomas Muster.
“Norrie is one of the best players in the world, it was a difficult match, but to win a tournament like this you have to go through difficult times,” said Nadal. (Report by Carlos Calvo Pacheco)
