Rafa Nadal’s 2022 is difficult to explain, even for himself. Four months before the Australian Open, he uploaded a photo on crutches to his social networks; now, he already accumulates three titles in a row. To the aforementioned Grand Slam, the historic tiebreaker with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, and the ATP 250 in Melbourne, the ATP 500 of Acapulco is added (double 6-4 to Cameron Norrie), his fourthafter also winning it in 2005, 2013 and 2020, equaling Thomas Muster and David Ferrer in the tournament record. With 15 wins in a row, the Spaniard reaffirms his best start to the season everis two of the 17 of Pete Sampras (1997) and Roger Federer (2018), and ratifies his reign without end. At the foot of the track, he valued everything.
The final: “Very difficult conditions. (Norrie) is a very solid player. You cannot play comfortably. I have had very difficult moments, but I have taken advantage when I could. It is a very important title and I am very happy.”
Acapulco: “It’s a very special tournament. I always notice the affection of the people of Mexico. It’s a wonderful stadium and environments like this are very important for our sport. Thank you very much to the organization.”
Congratulations to Norrie: “Cameron, congratulations for these two weeks and for playing in this final. It is very difficult to play two in a row and you deserve great recognition, for you and for your team, full of progress.”
magical 2022: “It is a pleasure to have the entire team present here, as well as relatives who have traveled. Thank you to them and to those I have in Mallorca. It is incredible to start 2022 like this, it seemed unimaginable. It seemed impossible and it is thanks to all of you” .
Fourth title: “This is my fourth title. I came here as a child and I have fantastic memories of each time. It is one of the places where we players feel better treated. You make us feel at home. Lastly, thank you to the ATP, the sponsors, volunteers, chair umpires and, above all, the public. Without you it would not be possible”.
Pandemic and public: “We’ve had difficult years without being able to play in front of you and I had missed you a lot. I hope we’ll see each other again soon. Thank you very much.”