Rafael Nadal is one win away from this third Mexican Open crown after beating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets to advance to the Acapulco final.
Top seed Nadal was too good for Dimitrov en route to his fourth Mexican Open decider, triumphing 6-3, 6-2 in convincing fashion at the ATP 500 tournament on Friday. Nadal won the event in 2005 and 2013 and the 19-time Grand Slam champion has the chance to claim a hat-trick of Acapulco titles after maintaining his relentless form.
'Great victory'
"I'm very happy. A great victory against one of the best players in the world and a good friend," Nadal said. "I think I've increased my level during the match, so it's positive for me."
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Spanish star Nadal recovered from 1-2 start, reeling off four consecutive games with some powerful baseline winners to seize control against seventh seed Dimitrov. It was a similar theme in the second set as Dimitrov broke for a 2-0 lead but that was as good as it got for the Bulgarian — Nadal going on a six-game run to close out proceedings in one hour, 41 minutes.
'A tough one'
Awaiting World No. 2 Nadal in the final is Taylor Fritz after the American stunned fifth seed John Isner 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 in a stunning comeback. "He's playing well. He has a great serve, fantastic shots from the baseline. It's going to be a tough one," Nadal said. "I know I'm going to have to be at my best and I hope to be ready for it."
At the Chile Open, second seed Casper Ruud defeated seventh seed Federico Delbonis 7-5, 7-5 to book his spot in the semifinal. Ruud, the first Norwegian to win an ATP Tour title in Buenos Aires, will next meet third seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who saw off Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-4 in Santiago.
Top seed Cristian Garin was forced to retire due to a leg injury after losing the first set 7-6 (7-1) to Thiago Seyboth Wild, while Renzo Olivo upstaged Pablo Cuevas 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) 7-5.
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