Rafael Nadal
The Australian Open champion beat Kozlov in straight sets 6-0,6-3
Rafael Nadal was impressed by his opponent’s style of play. The Spaniard stated that Kozlov is a smart player and has a very unique game. 4th seed Nadal took on the American lucky loser in a Round of 16 match at the Mexican Open.
Nadal came out on top in straight sets but he was definitely challenged by young Kozlov. Speaking after the match Nadal said, “He (Kozlov) has a very different style. You’ve to be careful. You can’t play at his rhythm.” The World No. 5 conveyed his best wishes to Kozlov for the rest of the season.
Rafael Nadal has won twelve consecutive matches so far this season. This 12-0 record is the best ever start to a season even in an illustrious career such as his. The 2022 Australian Open Champion will next face American Tommy Paul in the Quarter Finals.
Nadal had words of praise for Kozlov who incidentally is his training partner at this event. Kozlov had an interesting run so far until it was put to a halt by Nadal. Kozlov lost his last round qualifying match but got entry into the main round as a ‘lucky loser’. He then went on to defeat much higher ranked Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov to set up a clash with Rafael Nadal.
4 of the top 5 ranked players in Men’s singles are playing in this ATP 500 event in Acapulco. Medvedev, the no.1 seed and Stefano’s Tsitsipas the 3rd seed have both made it to the quarter finals while No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev has been disqualified and will no longer take part in the event.
With the No.1 spot at stake, the event is really heating up in the knockout stages.
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