Rafael Nadal beats Stefan Kozlov in Acapulco to set new record for number of wins at start of a calendar year

ByEurosport

Updated 24/02/2022 at 11:30 GMT

Rafael Nadal’s brilliant start to 2022 continued with his win over Stefan Kozlov in Acapulco. In taking his American opponent apart in straight sets in a shade over an hour, Nadal - who now has 21 Grand Slams to his name - broke his record for the best start to a campaign as he has won 12 matches on the spin. The Spaniard won the Australian Open in January.

Rafael Nadal continued his stellar start to the season, as his victory over Stefan Kozlov in Acapulco saw him break the record for his best beginning to a year.

In beating Kozlov 6-0 6-3 in a shade over an hour, Nadal made it 12 wins on the spin to kick off 2022.

His two victories in Mexico proved he has overcome the exertions of his win at the Australian Open last month - when he looked completely exhausted after beating Daniil Medvedev in five sets for his 21st Grand Slam.

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The win kept him on course for a meeting with Medvedev in the final, and a shot at his third title of 2022 after taking the Melbourne Summer Set and Australian Open.

Commenting on the result that took him to 12 wins in a row, eclipsing his 11 victories on the spin in 2014, Nadal said: “As a general rule I’ve never paid attention to the numbers. If I play well it’s easier for the numbers to come.

“I am able to compete well and I feel free.

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“Beyond the wins, the most important thing is to be playing and things have started well.”

Nadal will take on Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals.

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British sixth seed Cam Norrie also advanced after fighting back to beat John Isner in three sets.

Norrie recovered from losing a first-set tiebreak to come through 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 and book a meeting with Peter Gojowczyk, who was handed a walkover after Alexander Zverev was booted out the tournament for attacking an umpire's chair.

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