Rafael Nadal hits the practice court with Brandon Nakashima ahead of his return in Acapulco
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Brandon Nakashima and Rafael Nadal
After a stellar start to his season, Rafael Nadal will be looking to add a third title to his name this year as gears up to play his first match since his historic Australian Open. After a brief break, Nadal is preparing to play at the Mexican Open and enters the tournament as the 4th seed.
Nadal took to the practice courts in Acapulco ahead of his return. He was seen training with American youngster Brandon Nakashima and looks to be in good shape as he prepares to play the last tournament before the commencement of the clay-court season next month.
Nakashima had a brilliant 2021 season, the young American reached two ATP finals and debuted in the top-70. But he couldn’t carry this momentum into this season, he crashed out in the opening round of the Australian Open and had a disappointing stint on his home soil as he faced consecutive second-round exits at the Dallas Open and Delray Beach Open. The American will be keen to turn the tide around with a better performance in Acapulco. He will begin his campaign at the Mexican Open with an opening-round clash against lucky loser Peter Gojowczyk.
Rafael Nadal eyes his 3rd title of the year in Acapulco
Nadal was initially scheduled to play Reilly Opelka in the first round of ATP Acapulco, but the American had to withdraw due to fatigue having played back-to-back tournaments the last two weeks. Now the 20-time Grand Slam champion is set to play lucky loser Denis Kudla in his opening round match.
Nadal is on a 10-match unbeaten run and has won two titles on the trot, the Melbourne Summer Set 1 and the Australian Open. The Spaniard is a three-time winner in Acapulco and will be looking to add a 4th to his tally. But the former World No.1 might need to replicate his Australian Open heroics in Mexico as he is part of a stacked field in Acapulco which features 5 of the top-10 players.
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T Rushitha
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