Mexican Open: Rafael Nadal upsets Norrie to claim the trophy for the fourth time

Rafael Nadal claimed the Mexican Open, extending his brilliant start to 2022 by upsetting British number one Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-4. Since recuperating from a foot injury that kept him out for nearly six months last year, the Spaniard has won 15 consecutive matches.

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The whole match in a nutshell

Nadal got off to a solid start against Norrie. He placed 89 per cent of his first serves in play and captured 79 per cent of those points in the first set. In the fifth game of the first set, Nadal converted his first break point with a forehand winner.

After he cracked Norrie in the first game of the second set, the Spaniard appeared to be on his way to win the match. However, Norrie, who had been on an eight-match winning streak, levelled the match at 1-1, despite needing four breakpoints to do it. With the score at 0-40, Nadal averted three break points before Norrie clinched a 20-ball rally.

Afterwards, Norrie defended for 2-1. Nadal went on to win the next four games, only for Norrie to bite back as Nadal served for the match at 5-3, squandering a break with two forehand mistakes.

Nevertheless, on his second serve, the Spaniard played it perfectly. He achieved the match point with a volley winner. Thus, in the process, the World No. 5 added the Mexican Open title for the fourth time under his belt. Moreover, he proved that nobody knows how to dominate a tournament as he does.

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The Champion's words after claiming the Mexican Open title

In his on-court interview after the match, Rafa expressed, "It was a very humid day, very difficult conditions. Cameron is a solid player, a very tricky player who makes you feel uncomfortable. I went through some difficult moments in the match, but I was able to survive and take advantage when I had opportunities."

"I'm very pleased. It was a very important title for me, so I can't be happier," the Spaniard concluded.

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Moreover, accompanied by this victory, Nadal is three wins away from tying Ivan Lendl's total of 94 for third place for most championships in the Open Era. Jimmy Connors leads the list with 109 whilst Roger Federer has 103.