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Rafael Nadal's humble response to 'impossible' new record

Pictured here, Rafael Nadal roars in delight after winning the Mexican Open title.
Rafael Nadal is just three ATP titles away from equalling Ivan Lendl in third on the all-time list. Pic: Getty

Rafael Nadal may be fast closing on in more tennis history but the resurgent Spaniard is remaining as humble as always.

The 35-year-old extended his career record unbeaten start to the year after defeating Cameron Norrie in straight sets to lift the Mexican Open.

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Nadal is now on a run of 15-0 this season after claiming his 91st ATP Tour crown to go along with the record-breaking 21st major he won at the Australian Open.

The title in Acapulco was also Nadal's fourth Mexican Open title, having previously won in 2005, 2013 and 2020.

His recent win at the Australian Open put him clear of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on 21 grand slam titles, but he still sits behind Ivan Lendl (94), Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) for ATP tournament victories.

Nadal has consistently stated that he is not driven by records, despite his currently standing as the greatest men's tennis player in history.

He now only needs three more ATP titles to tie Ivan Lendl in third place (94 titles) for most tour singles titles in the Open Era. Jimmy Connors leads with 109 and Roger Federer has 103.

Despite having some of the game's biggest legends in his sights on the list of all-time ATP tournament victories, the Spaniard brushed off any comparisons and said he was just excited to live in the here and now.

"At the end of the day, I've always said that this kind of record needs to be measured once your career is over," Nadal told reporters.

"Today the most important thing is that I have won a prestigious tournament."

Rafael Nadal's foot injury a thing of the past

The 35-year-old's incredible form is all the more impressive considering he was forced to miss last year's US Open to deal with a foot issue that troubled him all the way to the lead-up to January's Australian Open.

Nadal admitted that the thought of capturing the Australian Open title and another ATP title to start 2022, seemed "impossible" to him several weeks ago.

Seen here, Rafael Nadal poses with his Mexican Open title.
Rafael Nadal has now gone 15 matches without losing in 2022 after claiming the Mexican Open title. Pic: Getty (Quality Sport Images via Getty Images)

"It was complicated, and I ended up taking the victory. Looking back, a few weeks ago this would have looked impossible," he added.

"It's amazing how things can change in such a short span, from not being able to practice and now to be where I am today."

Nadal, who first won the title in 2005 and took it again in 2013 and 2020, stormed through the Acapulco draw without dropping a set, to claim his third straight title of 2022.

Against Norrie, Nadal had a break in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead and went on to win the first set in 51 minutes.

In the second set, Nadal had a break in the first game, but Norrie returned it and appeared to be back into the match, but the Spaniard added breaks in the fifth and seventh games to take home the trophy.

The Acapulco tournament drew four of the top-five players in the world - Daniil Medvedev (2), Alexander Zverev (3), Stefanos Tsitsipas (4) and Nadal (5).

Medvedev - the new World No.1 - lost to Nadal in the semi-finals. Zverev was thrown out of the tournament for violently smashing his racket on the umpire's chair moments after losing a doubles match, while Tsitsipas lost to Norrie in the other semi.

with agencies

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