Rafael Nadal wins Acapulco opener
Rafael Nadal made a triumphant return to the ATP Tour on Tuesday, winning his first tournament match since capturing the Australian Open title to reach the second round of the Mexican Open.
Back to back wins for @RafaelNadal 🔥
Rafa Nadal beats Denis Kudla 6-3, 6-2 in Acapulco to secure his place in the second round🙌@AbiertoTelcel | #AMT2022 pic.twitter.com/Q292dvQ3nd
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 23, 2022
The 35-year-old Spanish left-hander defeated US lucky loser Dennis Kudla 6-3, 6-2 to book a date with another American who advanced in similar fashion, Nadal practice partner Stefan Kozlov, in the last 16.
Russian top seed Daniil Medvedev, the reigning US Open champion whom Nadal rallied to beat in five sets in the Australian Open final, began his Acapulco run with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Frenchman Benoit Paire.
Making his Acapulco debut the right way💪@DaniilMedwed | @AbiertoTelcel | #AMT2022 pic.twitter.com/pmhY2F1Fl7
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 23, 2022