Rafael Nadal - That's it for performances in Mexico
Rafael Nadal is unlikely to play any more tennis matches in Mexico. The 22-time Grand Slam champion announced this on Thursday in Mexico City.
by Jens Huiber
last edit:
Dec 02, 2022, 12:49 pm
The start of the 2022 season seems a long time ago - but not even ten months ago, after his somewhat surprising triumph at the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal also took the title in Acapulco home with him. His fourth just there, so Nadal is record champion in Acapulco together with Thomas Muster and David Ferrer.
On the way to the title, Nadal didn't drop a single set, not even in the semifinals against Daniil Medvedev or in the final against Cameron Norrie. A perfect tournament. And it looks like a perfect end to Nadal's career as far as performances in Mexico are concerned. At competition level. Because it was still enough for an exhibition fight against Casper Ruud on Thursday, Nadal won against the Norwegian in the bullring in Mexico City 7: 6 (7) and 6: 4.
Nadal doesn't have Acapulco 2023 on his calendar
But Nadal created facts before the game. "It will probably be the last time I play in Mexico," said the Spanish grandmaster. “Acapulco 2023 is not on my calendar. And the 2024 season seems so far away. That's why I'm going to fully enjoy this moment here again. Playing in a fantastic environment, with lots of people and in a country where I've always felt loved."
In this regard, Mexico certainly has no unique selling proposition, there is hardly a tennis-related country where Rafael Nadal is not loved. But for the now 36-year-old, only the really big titles count - and one day it could still work out in Roland Garros. that would be the 15th prank at the Bois de Boulogne. And maybe the end of an incredible career.