Nadal finds rhythm, gets off the mark
ACAPULCO: Rafael Nadal marked his return to action with a straight-sets victory over Pablo Andujar on Tuesday as he launched his bid to reclaim the world No.1 ranking at the Mexico Open in Acapulco.
The 33-year-old Spaniard, playing for the first time since his quarter-final exit to Dominic Thiem at the Australian Open last month, claimed a 6-3, 6-2 victory over compatriot Andujar in 1hr 30min.
“The most important thing when you have not competed for a while is to win, I needed a match like today to get in rhythm and gain some confidence,” Nadal said after the victory.
Nadal suffered an early stumble, with Andujar grabbing a break of serve in the opening game as the 19-time Grand Slam winner took time to find his rhythm.
The top-seeded Nadal admitted afterwards he was still adjusting to the heat and humidity of conditions in Acapulco.
“It was an awkward first round game,” Nadal said. “I had not competed for a while and the temperature change is drastic enough... but I am happy with the victory.”
Nadal could regain his world No.1 ranking this week with a victory in Acapulco if rival Novak Djokovic fails to reach the semi-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
TSITSIPAS PROGRESSES Stefanos Tsitsipas began the Dubai Championships with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-1 victory over Pablo Carreno Busta on Tuesday just two days after winning the Marseille title.
The Greek cruised to a first-round victory in 94 minutes but then complained that the match had been more of a struggle than it looked. “I was tired,” said the world No.6, who beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in Marseille on Sunday.
Meanwhile Benoit Paire overhauled former US Open winner Marin Cilic 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/1). Italian Fabio Fognini got knocked out by Dan Evans 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.