Nadal eases past Zverev in Rd 1
ACAPULCO, MEXICO: Rafael Nadal powered into the second round at the Mexican Open Tuesday, breezing past Germany’s Mischa Zverev in straight sets to advance to a meeting with Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.
World number two Nadal, playing in his first event since being thrashed by Novak Djokovic in last month’s Australian Open final, was always in control during a 6-3, 6-3 victory.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion completed the victory in 1hr 20min at Acapulco’s Princess Mundo Imperial venue, defeating his 76th ranked opponent with ease.
“I’m happy for the victory. It’s never easy against Mischa, especially without competing for a while,” said Nadal. “I’ll try to enjoy this moment for the next few hours and then be ready for tomorrow,” added Nadal, who said he is wary of the threat posed by the mercurial Kyrgios.
“Nick is one of the most talented players on tour,” Nadal said. “It’s a big challenge for me and I hope to be ready for it.”
Elsewhere Tuesday, Zverev’s younger brother Alex had little difficulty in advancing to the second round, defeating Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-3.
Second seed Zverev’s service game overwhelmed Popyrin,
THE 17-TIME SLAM CHAMPION COMPLETED THE VICTORY IN 1HR 20MIN DEFEATING HIS 76TH RANKED OPPONENT 6-3, 6-3
with the German hammering down 13 aces en route to victory.
Australia’s Kyrgios meanwhile was made to work hard for victory in his win over Italy’s Andreas Seppi, battling into the second round with a 6-3, 7-5 win.
Third seed John Isner of the United States needed three sets to subdue France’s Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
NISHIKORI WINS
Dubai Top seed Kei Nishikori dispatched the “tricky” Benoit Paire 6-4, 6-3 on his debut at the Dubai Championships on Tuesday, while Marin Cilic was knocked out by Gael Monfils.
Asia’s top player, the world number six, will meet Hubert Hurkacz in the second round at the Aviation Club. The Pole beat French qualifier Corentin Moutet 6-3, 7-5.
Cilic became the highest seed to exit so far as he went down to Monfils 6-3, 4-6, 6-0. Rising Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas, title-winner in Marseille at the weekend, opened his campaign with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Australian Matthew Ebden.