RAFAEL NADAL ROLLS OVER CILIC, TO FACE QUERREY IN ACAPULCO TENNIS TITLE MATCH

Written by: Staff on 4th March 2017

RAFAEL NADAL ROLLS OVER CILIC, TO FACE QUERREY IN ACAPULCO TENNIS TITLE MATCH

epa05828258 Rafael Nadal of Spain prepares to serve the ball to Marin Cilic of Croatia during their semifinal match at the Mexican Open tennis tournament in Acapulco, Mexico, 03 March 2017. EPA/JOSE MENDEZ |

By Ricky Dimon

Rafael Nadal rolled into the final of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel with a 6-1, 6-2 beatdown of Marin Cilic on Friday night. Nadal saved all seven of the break points he faced and struck three aces without double-faulting while serving at 70 percent. The sixth-ranked Spaniard needed only one hour and 24 minutes to set up a showdown against Sam Querrey for the title.

“I have to be playing well to win like this against a player like Marin, so I’m pleased with the performance,” Nadal commented. “I’m happy with my focus in important moments, saving break points with good shots. I enjoyed the atmosphere here. It’s great for me to be in the final.”

The 14-time major champion is no stranger to success in Acapulco. Thanks to his dominance against Cilic, Nadal is now 14-0 lifetime at the tournament and through to a third final in as many appearances. His two previous triumphs came when the event was held on clay.

Sam Querrey of the USA reacts against Dominic Thiem of Austria during their Mexican Tennis Open Tournament quarter final game, in Acapulco, Mexico, 02 March 2017. EPA/JOSE MENDEZ

Fast conditions on hard courts have played right into the hands of Querrey this week. The 6’6” American’s run continued on Friday with a 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 upset of Nick Kyrgios. Querrey crushed 13 aces and converted all four of his break-point opportunities to advance in one hour and 34 minutes.

“It’s unbelievable,” the world No. 40 assured. “This place is sold out every single night and the energy around the grounds is amazing. The ball bounces right into my strike zone on these courts, so I’m very comfortable playing here.”

Querrey also took out David Goffin and Dominic Thiem early in the week, but he may not be as comfortable against Nadal. He trails the head-to-head series 4-0, although just one of their first four encounters ended in straight sets.

“When I play my best, I’m capable of beating a lot of these top guys and I’ve been able to put it all together these past three matches,” Querrey explained. “It just gets tougher from here because Rafa has been playing great all year, so I’m going to talk with my coach and leave it all out on the court.”