Rafa Nadal's stunning career-first after ruthless display
Rafa Nadal has enjoyed his best start to a season after defeating Stefan Kozlov to reach the quarter-final of the Mexican Open.
Nadal, returning from a Tour break after winning the Australian Open, was up against his training partner from a previous day after the pair were involved in a hilarious incident.
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Kozlov, a lucky loser in the draw, had defeated Girgor Dimitrov in the previous round and was keen on adding Nadal to his portfolio.
However, Nadal was in brutal form and brushed aside the American 6-0, 6-3 in Acapulco.
The 35-year-old's win meant it was the best start to the season for him ever, moving to 12-0.
He is 22-2 in Acapulco.
Fans were quick to point out the achievement at the age of 35.
This one goes to 12 💪
For the first time in his career, @RafaelNadal starts a season with 12 consecutive wins, defeating Stefan Kozlov 6-0 6-3 at #AMT2022 pic.twitter.com/wFxQ5iP1WG— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 24, 2022
Rafael Nadal beats Stefan Kozlov 6-0, 6-3 to reach the QFs in Acapulco.
Improves to 22-2 in Acapulco and 12-0 in 2022, the best start of the season of his career. At 35yo.
Faces Tommy Paul tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/xmJJHwEUqg— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 24, 2022
Nadal likes Kozlov's crazyness. "Strange match. He has a very different style. You have to be careful. You can't play at his rythm. He is a very smart player and I wish him the very best for the season".
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 24, 2022
King Rafael Nadal def. Kozlov 6-0, 6-3 to reach the #AcapulcoOpen Quarter Finals
What a superb tennis by Vamos
Its Rafa's best start of season
With 12 wins and 0 losses, Rafael Nadal is making his best career's season start
His previous best year was in 2014 ( 11 wins )— Rafa Shawon (@Vamos__Rafa) February 24, 2022
Nadal will now face Tommy Paul in the quarter-final.
Rafa Nadal's honest career admission
Before his match, Nadal was asked if he thought he could regain the World No.1 ranking.
Djokovic is likely to lose his stranglehold on the top spot in the near future because of his vaccination status, which bars him from playing the majority of tournaments as it stands.
If Daniil Medvedev (Australian Open finalist and US Open winner) triumphs in Acapulco he will take over the No.1 spot.
Nadal could add yet another Roland Garros title to his collection, which he would be favourite if reigning champ Djokovic can't play, and would gain more ranking points.
But, the World No.5 - who has spent more than 200 weeks as World No.1 - made the candid admission that there is no goal to regain the top spot.
The 35-year-old Spaniard will be more selective of the tournaments he plays and admitted the ranking is too far beyond him.
"Physical problems were preventing me from ever finishing No. 1," Nadal said in Acapulco.
"I have other goals, and I'm not going to pursue it because it would be an error to pursue it.
"There are a lot of young players prepared to play all the events they need to fight for it. I have to be more selective and I'm not going to alter my calendar, not to fight for more points in the rankings."
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